Sackville St <1>
Saturday
My dear Henry
I write in the greatest hurry as it is ½ past five – He <2> is just in the same state – but as yesterday Drs Chambers & Seymour differed with Mr Cutler <3> respecting his leg, the latter begged to call in Sir Benjamin Brodie, <4> who came this morning at nine – He agreed with Mr Cutler in thinking the swelling not yet sufficiently advanced to admit of anything being done, except changing the applications of eau de cologne for a piece of oil skin wrapped round, to hasten it by acting as a poultice. – I am afraid he was very uneasy about him, & he ended by telling Mamma <5> he could sum up the case in a few words by saying “it was a fight between the disease & the consitution [sic]” – He certainly looks better & appears stronger – but talks much less – I believe that however is no bad sign –
I have no more time today
Yrs affly
Caroline
W. Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. Charles Feilding’s doctor. [See Doc. No: 03429].
4. Sir Benjamin Collins Brodie (1783–1862).
5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.