Chippenham <1>
11th Septr 1829
Dear Sir,
I beg to acknowledge the rect of your Letter <2> of the 7th Inst –
With regard to Mrs Brindley’s House, I have heard that Mr Spenser <3> the Surgeon has applied to her to rent it & that the only obstacle was a difference as to terms – should he take it, I will not fail to apprize you of it immediately –
The Parish wish for about 25 acres of Arable Land at Inlands farm, for which they will give the same Rent as you may obtain for the remainder – some Fields have been selected for the purpose, which will be most convenient in regard to the Farm & I am in hopes it may prove an advantageous thing in every point of view – there being so large a proposition of Arable Land on this farm, I do not find any objection to the plan made by the Parties who have hitherto applied for Particulars in order to make Tenders – on the contrary, they consider it will tend to lower the Poor Rates, wch of course must be an advantage to every renter of Land (this farm included) & without some measure of this kind, by which employment could be found for the Poor, I should almost look forward with dismay, to the ensuing winter – as soon as possible after the 19th I will send you the Particulars of Tenders wch may be made for the Farm with any observations on the Characters & Circumstances of the different Parties –
On the subject of Marchant’s <4> Allowance from Melksham <5> Parish, I find that the Law is against him – a magistrate can not make an order for relief, out of the Parish, except in cases of illness, under these circumstances Marchant has requested me to say, that he hopes you will take his case into consideration & he will be most thankful for any small allowance to enable him to stay at the Lodge –
Mr Mitchell <6> has just recd from Mr Montagu’s Solicitor, the Abstract of Title to the Field wch you intend purchasing but he informs me, that the settlement of the purchase must remain till the other larger Purchases are completed in order to save you additional expense.
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged & Obedt Sert
W.H. Awdry
I am very much obliged for a present of Game and Fruit from the Abbey – & Mr John Awdry <7> des[ires]<8> me to present his thanks for a similar present –
W.H.F. Talbot Esqr
Post office
Bangor
North Wales
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Letter not located.
3. Dr Henry Spencer (1805-1842), surgeon in Chippenham.
4. Marchant (d. 1834). [See Doc. No: 02983].
5. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.
6. John Mitchell, chemist & assayist, London.
7. John Awdry (1766–1844), solicitor, Reybridge.
8. Text obscured under seal.