Chippenham <1>
Thursday Morng
Dear Sir,
As I think it probable from what I have heard, that some of your Opponents may impute improper motives respecting the use which has been made of Lord Landsdowne’s <2> Name in behalf of your cause – I beg to assure you that I have not in any way compromised it on this occasion – when I called on Wm Gale <3>, I did so distinctly as your Steward & in that capacity appealed to his feelings whether “a Relation of Lord Lansdowne’s who had (as well as Mr Neeld <4>) been very kind to the Inhabitants of this place, had not a better claim to his second Vote, than a Stranger” –
I cautiously abstained from either Threat or Promise as to future employment, being well aware that the Bribery Oath includes the word “Employment” –
As I shall be gone from this part of the County before your arrival, I felt anxious to leave this explanation upon the subject –
I am dear Sir
Yr much obliged
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780–1863), MP, WHFT’s uncle.
3. See Doc. No: 02618.
4. Joseph Neeld (1789–1856), MP & botanist, sat for Chippenham from 1830 to 1856.