Sackville Street <1>
12th Sepr
My dear Henry
I am very glad you are returned to the Land of the Living, I had thoughts of advertising you as a Youth missing, who was entreated to return to his disconsolate parents. When shall you be in town? As you are to return to Cambridge I understand before October, I shall wait here to see you instead of going to Brighton, as it would be taking you so far out of your way. The Box of Shells (at least a heavy small box) shall go by to nights Coach, so have it enquired for at Swansea. Your aunt Mary <2> owes me 5 or 7 £ I forget which, but She has the account (so have I somewhere) & therefore she had better pay it to you. If you want more, you can draw for it. Your Aunt can tell whether you had better give the <draft to?> <3> her or Jim George <4> as he goes to Swansea
I only knew you were alive by the Bank writing to say you had drawn a draft from somewhere on road <5>
Wm Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Penrice Castle
Swansea
Notes:
1. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
2. Lady Mary Lucy Cole, née Strangways, first m. Talbot (1776–1855), WHFT’s aunt.
3. Text torn away under seal.
4. She means Jem George, a servant of the Cole family.
5. Written in Charles Feilding’s hand.