Salisbury,
June 30th 1809
My Dear Mamma,
I am very much amused here, there is a nice garden for me to play in. there was a house burnt in this street last night, it was a cast iron manufactory. Last night I went to Dunford Mrs Harris’s it is 11 miles off, I did not come back till 11 o’clock. Charry <1> is not as tall as I am. Kit <2> is taller than Elinor. <3> we made a play I’ll transcribe part of it to you.
Irene or the lost traveller. in 3 acts
Act 1st Scene 1st Coras & Irene
Irene. What gloomy place is this? and who are thou that thus intrudes upon the solitary hours of the night?
Coras. I am no evil spirit but a man willing to help thee & to soothe thy sorrows come with me into my cell. my <illegible> is scanty but I give it with good will.
You may judge whether you like it or not.
your affectionate son
W
H
F
Talbot.
June 30th 1809.
good bye.
Notes:
1. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
3. Ellinore Sybilla ‘Ronille’ Talbot (1801–1810), WHFT’s cousin.