My dear Henry
The Bearers of this are the two men I wrote you word of – & who seem likely to be of great use, neither – they have been in the army as Sergeants – & are very intelligent – one is to be the commanding officer, as there must be a chief but both of course entirely subject to your controul – My Hope is very strong that no disturbance <1> will take place at Lacock, & I am sure that these people being known to be there, will do a great deal to prevent them – at the same Time as it is possible that you may think it better not to publish their arrival – they are desired to be silent on the road and at Chippenham as to where they are going & what about – that you may use your own judgement – They are to receive 5s/ a day each – & their journey up & down. I have paid them 2· 10· 0 on account –
Yr aff
C. F
Saturday Evg
The 2 men take 2 cutlasses with them, & some manacles, & I send also 3 swords. GOD forbid they should be wanted –
It the appearances are more serious I will go to you instantly – I hope indeed you have written by a Coach tonight – to tell us how you find things –
get as many Special Constables sworn in as you can
W. H. F. Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Notes:
1. He refers to the Swing Riots. [See Doc. No: 02079].