Corsham Court,
Chippenham
9. Dec. 1858
My dear Sir
A little bird, singing from Edinburgh, tells my daughter that you are alone at Laycock – Perhaps, therefore, you might not object to dine & sleep here – I shall have two guests, both rather remarkable in their way, with me on Saturday & Sunday next – Mr Delane, the Editor of the Times, and Mr Murray – the Publisher, and they would think themselves, as I should, fortunate if they met you – There will be no body else here except my daughter – and if you would come on Sunday afternoon, and stay until Monday, you would do me & them a real favor – your would have, as the Innkeepers say, a warm room & a well-aired bed
very truly yours
Broughton