My dear Henry
Wright <1> was so afraid I shd be shilly shally & lose Mr Brown, that he came down Saturday to explain everything better than he could by letters. He thinks Mr B. a good sort of straightforward man, & that it is very unlikely I shd get more from anyone else – & of course the more it is delayed the more I shall lose by going on with rent &c &c out of 60 people W. has shewn the house to, only that Mr Welshman made any offer at all besides – Ld Mt E <2> had a long talk with W. too & he strongly advised me to accept the offer, & I have made up my mind to do so – It certainly seems little considering the valuation Arber made but I remember telling you I thought it too high. I had a great wish to go up & see it once more but have given it up as it is such a long journey & having seen W. I have been able to tell him various things too long to write. I hope you will approve of my decision – We went Saturday to see Ld Auckland <3> lay the first stone of the new Steam Dockyard. <4> He made a speech & seemed very nervous but did it well He was so kind & affte to me tho’ in such a public place he could not say much. He is coming here tomorrow with the other Lords –
I am so sorry for poor dear A – so unlucky to catch a chill in this beautiful weather! pray give her my love & ask C. <5> to be so kind as to write me word how she goes on if you are too busy. I have no time to write to her today as we are going to sail in the Xarifa[?] & I must answer Arber’s letter Why are you not at Southampton?
Yr aff sister
Horatia
Notes:
1. James Wright, footman to the Talbots & Constable for Lacock.
2. Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797–1861), WHFT’s brother-in-law.
3. George Eden, 1st Earl of Auckland (1784–1849), Governor General of India; he was 1st Lord of the Admiralty at the time.
4. Plymouth.
5. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.