[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]
Bowood <1>
Friday
Dear Talbot
Christopher Talbot <2> has conceived to dine & sleep here on Monday. Will you be prevailed upon to accompany him – as we have not yet seen you & returning at night is out of the question this Siberian winter –
Yrs ever
Lansdowne
[envelope:]
H. Talbot Esq
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.