Dear Talbot
I take it very kindly of you, to send me such early information <1> of the vacancy at Devizes. For myself, I am not disposed to have any thing to do with the electioneering intrigues of that Town. S P Denham who was unsuccessful last year, has persuaded a vast number of the electors to promise their support to him, his principal merit being, I believe, that they are entirely unacquainted with him privately and publicly: I hear today that S J. Hobhouse <2> after 3 or 4 days deliberation is <caputed?> to morrow, and so their will be a contest. I shall content myself with giving my vote; and that to Denham whose principles I do not know rather that to Hobhouse, whose I do know. A precious Alternative.
Yr ivory Donation was most gratefully received: exhibited at the meeting, and on Thursday last the only compliment in our power was unanimously voted to you, viz. your election as an Honl Member of the Institution.
yr morceau <3> about Mayne is delicious.
Ever yours most Sinly
J H M Estcourt
Estcourt
Feby 16.
Notes:
1. Not located.
2. John Cam Hobhouse, Baron Broughton (1786–1869), statesman & friend of Byron.
3. Tilbit or literary morsel.