Chippenham <1>
13th Oct 1829
Dear Sir,
On the rect of your Letter <2> of the 4th Inst – I wrote to Mr Atherton <3> & requested his opinion confidentially as to the responsibility & respectability of David Clarke <4>. – His answer is as follows
“ Dr Sir,
Mr David Clarke rents a small Farm belonging to Lord Crewe & pays his Rent very well, beyond that I know nothing of his Circumstances – I believe he is a very industrious Man, which is one of the first recommendations for a Tenant – I remain &c &c
(signed) N. Atherton ”
I am very glad to inform you that Crocker has altogether declined the Farm, I therefore presume you will select either Clarke or Beaver & as soon as I have your decision, I will lose no time in entering into the necessary agreement with the Party– I have just begun the Michaelmas Audit & shall feel obliged if you will mention in your next Letter whether I shall make the Remittance to your Account at Hammersleys <5> or Gundrys <6>, I ask the Question, because there is now a Charge of 5 Shillings pr Cent on Payments made to London by Bankers in this County – May I beg the favor [illegible deletion] of your asking the same Question of Captn Feilding <7> as to his Payment, in case you are with him at this time.
I am Dear Sir Yr Much Obliged Sert
W.H. Awdry
W.H.F. Talbot Esq
Post Office
Perth
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Letter not located.
3. See Doc. No: 01865.
4. David Clark, of Inlands Farme, near Lacock.
5. Hammersley & Company, bankers, London.
6. Gundrey & Co.
7. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.