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Document number: 2821
Date: 21 Feb 1834
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: HARMAN Ezekiel
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number historic: LA34(MW)-20
Last updated: 27th October 2013

Theobalds 21st Feby 1834
Waltham Cross

Dear Sir

Your letter <1> of the 15th afforded me satisfaction as regards your continued zeal in the cause in which we embarked and in which I was induced to proceed under an assurance of your cooperation well aware as you must be that few offices are of a more unthankful nature or require greater perseverance and none more ungratefully treated almost as much by the rich, as the poor, and was it not from a sense of duty, few if any could be found to undertake it and as the subject has puzzeled [sic] one of the ablest statesmen we cannot wonder at the difficulties we have to encounter –

I cannot but express some surprise and a share of disappointment at your silence as to the alterations at Nash Hill <2> as advantageous to your Farms and without being accused of vanity I may fairly consider it under the head of improvements particularly having made some sacrifices of both land and growing timber the job not requiring any from your side –

Your enquiries about the trees alluded to was what I could have wished, but the fact being well known I of course supposed you were also acquainted with it or I should have made a point of informing you; I took care Mr Awdry <3> was informed before I ordered <4> the trees that were cut to be taken down and as it seems your wish I have directed my people to take the others also –

In any act of mine to serve the parish of Lacock I beg to be understood to have solely one object namely the welfare of its Inhabitants and have had not the least towards you considering as I do that you are much burdened saddled as your whole property is with an enormous poor Rate and this impression first led me to the alteration of Nash Hill from the peculiar disadvantages under which Croker & others were placed this you will remember in our first communication–

Notwithstanding I have taken considerable pains to acquire a knowledge of such plans of improvement that may suit the locality of the place yet I am still open to any suggestion or alteration that may be found to work well and all I ask is to come forward and propose and not content themselves with opposing; this is a mode too generally practised and deters many a useful man from persevering in a good cause and so unsatisfactory do I feel my post that [I w]ould willingly resign it to you or any one [else. The?]<5> question I am fully persuaded is of vital importance to the country and demands immediate attention for independent of our duty as regards the poor, our interest as land, and labour, owners calls loudly upon us, if not to serve them, to serve ourselves in this opinion I am confirmed having seen and looked into many parishes –

I shall at all times be ready and willing to attend to any suggestions from you but we must not forget that theories should be avoided and practical plans resorted to

I am Dr Sir Yours very truly
Ez Harman

May I request you will frank the enclosed to Mr Thomas Moore, Lacock <6>

H. F. Talbot Esqre
M.P.
Sackville Street
31
London


Notes:

1. Letter not located.

2. Nash Hill, also Naish Hill, a hill and farm 1 mi NE of Lacock, Wiltshire.

3. Probably William Henry Awdry (1778–1847), solicitor, Chippenham.

4. Written off the edge of page.

5. Text torn away under seal.

6. Thomas Moore (possibly d. 1854), member of the Lacock Parish Vestry. As an MP, WHFT had franking privileges and was entitled to free postage. Members commonly gave signed covers or envelopes to friends. At the time, the recipient paid for postage (to ensure that the letter was delivered). This arrangement was withdrawn in January 1840 with the introduction of the Penny Post, which instituted uniform costs and pre-paid stamps.

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