Brighton
March 6th 1811
Charus mihi Henricus <1>
Plena expectatione longium thematis tui eram <2>. I should think you might compose before you go to sleep, or you might dream very much to the purpose. Remember it must be all your own, as I should like to know what original ideas are in the laminæ of your brain. We were very sorry you forgot your Figs, but will send you some –
Vale, meque dilige <3>
E Theresa Feilding
Αθανατον οργην μη φυλατε, θνητος ων <4>
Is not this a very good maxim?
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq
Revd Dr Hooker’s <5>
Rotting Dean <6>
Brighton March 6. 1811 <7>
Notes:
1. My dear Henry.
2. I shall be full of expectation of your longer theme.
3. Keep well and love me.
4. ‘Nurse not immortal anger, mortal man’ or ‘do not retain continual anger, being a mortal’. [See Doc. No: 00529]. Quoted in Aristotle’s Rhetoric. Lady Elizabeth translates this as ‘(Sentiment) Within Thee cherish not immortal ire (reason for it) When Thou thyself art mortal’ in Doc. No: 00530.
5. Rev. Thomas Redman Hooker (1762-1838), WHFT's tutor at Rottingdean and a most interesting character. His career prospects were seemingly cut short when his father lost his fortune to an industrial accident. Hooker became the private secretary to the Duke of Dorset, learned French, took Holy Orders and through the Duke's influence established an influential school. His pupils included the nephews of the Duke of Wellington and of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was also active in the local smuggling ring. See Arthur R. Ankers, revised by Michael Smith, Sussex Cavalcade (Sevenoaks: Hawthorns Publications, Ltd., 1992), pp. 97-100.
6. Rottingdean, East Sussex, 4 mi SE of Brighton: WHFT attended school there from 1808–1811.
7. Written in another hand at the back of address panel.