Salwarpe Rectory

Worcester

August 30. 1848

Sir

The Chancel of this Church being much dilapidated I have found it necessary to take it down, and am now rebuilding it from the foundation – On the South side there was a mural monument to Thomas Talbot “eximius vir,” an ancestor I believe of your family. It represents himself, his Wife, & three children, and is an interesting piece of sculpture partly alabaster & partly marble – In removing it (which was done with all possible care) it was discovered to have been broken in several places, probably on some former occasion of its being removed. It is my intention to replace it in the same situation which it formerly occupied – and to put it up in, at least, as good a condition as I found it – But it requires & deserves a thorough reparation & cleaning, & a renewal of the paint & gilding – Should you feel so much interest in the monument as to wish it to be restored, I shall very gladly undertake to put into <sic> safe & skilful hands, & to have the restoration completed with as little expence as may be –

I am Sir

with great respect

your obed^t

humble Serv^t

H. Douglas

H. F. Talbot Esq