Harrow <1>
Feb. 14. 1815.
My Dear Mamma,
Harrow is becoming pleasant again, for the Spring is begun, & some of the flowers & leaves are opening. – The Winter has appeared extremely short, in comparison of the last. The ice has been all gone some time ago, & the weather is warm & sunny. I am afraid that a London atmosphere does not participate in the freshness of the vernal breezes, but continues equally impregnated with smoke throughout the year. Our Speeches for May, are already set. Mine is from Sallust; <2> – Memmius ad Quirites. I have already settled what beautiful flowers I intend to find this year, at home, & abroad. I expect to find such rare Gentians, & Soldanella’s, at Brussels. I continue my mutton Chops, generally every day, except when I am not hungry. I like breakfasting in the Hall, much better than with Dr Butler. <3>
I remain
Yr Affte Son
W H F Talbot
Lady Elisabeth Feilding
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Harrow School: WHFT attended from 1811–1815 and his son Charles from 1855-1859.
2. Sallust (Caius Sallustius Crispus) ( ca.86–34 BC), Roman historian.
3. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow.