Lacock Vicarage
Jan 13. 1854

My dear Sir,

I have to thank you for y^r kind promise of five pounds towards the Coal Fund – the plan which M^rs Talbot suggests of selling at half price I have already adopted – I am quite of the opinion that the Poor value it more than a simple gift – they have had 6 cwt each throughout the Parish in two distributions – the one (3 cwt each) in the week before Christmas – the other during the present week, so they have had plenty of fuel to keep themselves warm during the severe weather – I wish I c^d also say plenty of food – the high price of Provisions is sadly felt, & wages remain the same – Bread here is 9^d½ per loaf, & other things are equally dear, – & I am afraid there is not much prospect of their improving at present –

With our united best Compliments to M^rs Talbot & yourself –

Believe me Y^rs very faithfully
E Percy Brett –

[envelope:]
W. H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Greta Bank
Keswick
Cumberland