Moreton <1>
Decer 16 1828
My Dear Talbot,
I am extremely obliged to you for Sir Henry Steuarts book, <2> of which I have heard much & believe every word, tho I have not as yet read one, because all the persons who attest the facts are perfectly disinterested & I see no reason whatever that could induce them to put their name to so unnecessary a falsehood – I have always intended to read it but did not buy it because I felt satisfied that in this very windy county no trees removed of the size mentioned by Sir H. Steuart could resist our South Westers; but I am extremely pleased at having the book to refer to & to try such of his experiments as I may think likely to succeed here: It may answer better in your rich Soil about Laycock & where you are far removed from the Sea.
We have often expected to see you here & some times within a day or two; but the general opinion of the house is that it is of no use to ask you as you never will come.
Yours very Sincerely
James Frampton
Henry Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Moreton, Dorset: home of the Frampton family.
2. Sir Henry Steuart (1759–1836), The planter’s guide, or, A practical essay on the best method of giving immediate effect to wood by the removal of large trees and underwood … (London: John Murrray, 1828) 2nd edition greatly improved and enlarged.