Cotehele House <1>
Calstock
Tavistock
March 31st 1869
My dear Henry
Many thanks for the 6 cuttings of Mandevilla – They were duly planted yesterday. The other cuttings you brought are looking well.
I also sowed 8 pots with seeds of the Pinus Alepensis [sic] from Cannes, & 3 Seeds of Japanese Medlar. – I wrote a long letter to Amandier <2> yesterday – & a letter to Harriot <3> – in answer to one she wrote me – enquiring if you or I knew of any verses addressed to Mamma & Kitty Acland, (Lady Carnarvon)<4> – of which Louisa Frampton <5> seems to have a dim recollection – but no one knows where they are. She wants them for her “Family Book”. In case you know anything of such verses, will you let her know?
From the cold tone of your letter, I judge that you will not be in any hurry to leave your comfortable fireside just yet, for the inhospitable Pass of the Brenner & I think indeed you would be imprudent to make a start while these winds last. They cannot go on for ever.
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
Let me know before you go, & where to direct. I forwarded a letter to you yesterday.
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Cotehele, Cornwall: ancient house, seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe, now a National Trust Property.
2. Amélina Petit De Billier, ‘Mamie’, ‘Amandier’ (1798–1876), governess and later close friend of the Talbot family [See Amélina's journal].
3. Harriot Georgiana Mundy, née Frampton (1806-1886), WHFT’s cousin & sister-in-law.
4. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother and Lady Elizabeth Kitty Carnarvon, née Acland (1772-1813), wife of Henry George Herbert, Lord Porchester, later 2nd Earl of Carnarvon.
5. Louisa Charlotte Frampton.