Versailles
9th Septr
My dear Henry
Your Letter <1> which I received yesterday has indeed caused us the deepest affliction, dear Mr Feilding <2> was to me a true and most affectionate friend, the many kindnesses and proofs of regard that for many many years he showed me can never be obliterated from my memory, and never shall I cease to deplore the loss of such an affectionate Being, but I am selfish in dwelling upon my own feelings when I reflect upon what you must all be suffering, do my dear Henry assure your Mother & Sisters <3> how truly and strongly we feel for all they are suffering, and how anxiously we shall look forward to in the hopes of hearing that at least they are resigned to a certain degree to the severe blow it has been the will of the Almighty to inflict them with –
Believe me my dear Henry yrs very sincly
HPG
Notes:
1. Letter not located.
2. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
3. 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.