Mount Edgcumbe <1>
Devonport.
Decr 20th 1875
My dear Henry
One line just to announce the departure for Bath of a Wild Turkey, which Val <2> has sent off to you by this Evening’s train – with many good wishes for a merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to you & all at No 4 Circus – in which I need scarcely say that Ernestine <3> & I join with all our hearts.
The turkey was shot expressly to be eaten at Christmas – it must will not be ready before, but will probably keep longer if wished for.
We found all well here – I think Ernestine told Rosamond <4> that we waited a good half hour on the platform at Bath before the train appeared – & then made such long stoppages everywhere that we arrived at Plymth at least ¾ hour late, if not more; so that my little plan of arriving by daylight, failed completely. However we found the Mt E. boat at the Hard – & the water was quite smooth.
My love to all,
Yr affte Sister
Caroline
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre.
4 Circus
Bath
Notes:
1. Mt Edgecumbe, near Plymouth: seat of the Earl of Mt Edgcumbe.
2. William Henry Edgcumbe, ‘Val’, 4th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832–1917), JP & Ld Steward of the Royal Household; WHFT’s nephew ‘Bimbo’.
3. Ernestine Emma Horatia Edgcumbe (1843-1925), WHFT’s niece.
4. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.