London
3 Jany 1850
My Dear Horatia
Mr Bolton <1> does not think that anything has to be altered in the settlements in consequence of the document which came to light the other day and of which I showed him a copy. To my enquiry respecting its true meaning he replied that it was rather doubtful, but that no meaning which could be attached to it was sufficiently free from doubt to afford a secure foundation for action, so that the case is pretty nearly the same as if the document had not been written, there being no certainty that anything done in consequence of it by you, might not be at variance with the true meaning of it.
Also that if a lawyer had been at hand at the time and had been consulted and had offered explanations and reduced the memorandum into legal language, that then most likely it would have appeared unsatisfactory and likely to lead to difficulties, and would have been suppressed on that account. Its existence therefore Mr Bolton considers ought not to influence our present arrangements and settlements, he only thinks it would be desirable that you should make a will in accordance with this memorandum, in so far as it is not overruled or replaced by the covenants in the settlements, which it is in great measure.
Mr Bolton says the 15th may be the day. The settlements are now at Devizes, and if Mr Meck alters them, that will cause delay. If not, they will then be engrossed, sent to Mr Meck for examination in that state, returned to London sent to Oxford for the Dean’s signature and to Lacock for ours.
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. John Henry Bolton (1795–1873), solicitor, London. WHFT refers to settlements following Charles Feilding’s death.