Burley <1>
Septr 4th 1837 -
My dr Talbot,
It was very good of you in the hour of sorrow <2> to think of writing to me. I was in some degree prepared for the melancholy intelligence conveyed by Yr letter, <3> by one which I received two days ago from Matilda Feilding. <4> I was [illegible deletion] much grieved to hear of dr adml Feilding's death. His kindness to me was invariable, & his affection to me in the trying season of my dr father's death I can never forget. I trust that Lady Elizth & yr sisters <5> will be much supported in their bereavement. Thanks be to God, the sun of Righteousness can gild the darkest clouds of affliction with bright & glorious tints. Every topic of consolation you will suggest to them - and I pray that their affliction may be alleviated as much as possible -
& believe me very truly yrs
G Finch
Henry Talbot Esqr
The Marquis of Lansdown's <6> villa
Richmond
Surrey
Notes:
1. Burley, Stamford.
2. This is a reference to the recent death of Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780-1837), Royal Navy; WHFT's step-father.
3. Not located.
4. Matilda Feilding (1775-1849), WHFT's aunt - sister of Charles Feilding, his stepfather.
5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773-1846), WHFT's mother, Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808-1881); WHFT's half-sister, and Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810-1851), WHFT's half-sister.
6. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780-1863), MP, WHFT's uncle.