Mount Edgcumbe ^<1>
Sept^r 12^th 1865

My dear Henry

I think it will be a very good time to send the Fan Palm now, while we are at Mount Edgcumbe, & while the weather is so favourable for it’s journey. Valletort ^<2> is very much obliged to you, & thinks he has found a good situation for it in the Conservatory, which I must tell you is looking beautiful. Please to tell me it’s proper name, & native country – & have it very carefully packed – It should go, not by Luggage train – as that is too slow, & one can never depend upon it’s arrival – but by Van train – I believe they are very punctual, & quicker much than luggage trains – They are of course slower than Passenger trains – but much more careful, & quick enough. The Palm should be directed to turn over

The Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

Manor Office

Stonehouse

Plymouth

& I think in the corners, perishable – or for the Gardner. If I knew what day it would come, I would have a look out kept for it.

We have been very happy here with Val – but he goes tomorrow, & Charlie ^<3> went yesterday – being summoned to Aldershott for a fortnight’s duty.

I hope Amandier ^<4> is better. Is she thinking of coming to see us now with Rosamond? ^<5> or are you coming? I dare say we shall remain here a week longer, before returning to Cotehele. ^<6> The weather is quite perfection! So bright & warm! Last night we walked out with only our Evening things on. It was as warm as Day. I assure you the view from the Gallery window at this moment, is unspeakably beautiful. The sea like a blue mirror, lit up by a hot & brilliant sun – & the many coloured flowers & white statues bright & dazzling – while the distant objects stand out as clearly s in Italy. It ought to be enjoyed by as many as possible. If Amandier feels up to the journey; she could not chuse a better moment. Please tell her so.

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

Did I tell you that the “ Capricorn ^<7>” was here a short time ago? Kit ^<8> & his girls lunched here, & drove about.

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham

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Notes:

1. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.

2. William Henry Edgcumbe, ‘Val’, 4^th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832–1917), JP & Ld Steward of the Royal Household; WHFT’s nephew ‘Bimbo’.

3. Charles Earnest Edgcumbe (1838–1915), JP, WHFT’s nephew.

4. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal ].

5. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2^nd daughter.

6. Cotehele, Cornwall: ancient house, seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe, now a National Trust Property.

7. H.M.S. Capricorn.

8. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.