[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]
London febry
21st
Dear Talbot
I am sorry to miss Mr Blore, <1> tho’ the small job I had in view at Bowood <2> is quite unworthy of his genius – & may be settled by an expert builder. I hear the house he is building for Sir G. Phillips turns out much better than Ponsonby’s <3> in Dorsetshire –
There is a regular [illegible] of return of converts to the Catholic question, but not all so honest as the Limerick Alderman who be criticised for it, stating that he had never been against it but to please his Majesty’s ministers.
Ld Londonderry <4> not being Ld Lt of Ireland, is so shocked at the D. of Wellington’s <5> inconsistency that he threatened to vote against the bill.
There is to be a great contest between the French & Austrians for the new pope. <6>
Louisa <7> desires me to say that she received a note this morng from Laycock referring to commissions for Caroline <8> which are not specified – & therefore cannot be executed –
I have got a smart attack of gout which I am assured is very satisfactory & safe finale after an illness, so that I submit to it with a good grace. we may perhaps run down to Bowood for a week when it is better –
Yrs affecly
Lansdowne
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. Edward Blore (1787–1879), architect & artist.
2. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
3. John Ponsonby, Viscount Ponsonby.
4. Robert Stewart, Lord Castlereagh, 2nd Marquess of Londonderry (1769–1822), politician.
5. Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington (1769–1852), was in command of the forces that defeated Napoleon.
6. Pope Pius VIII (1761–1830), was elected on 31 March 1829.
7. Louisa Howard, née Fitzmaurice (d. 1906), daughter of Lady Louisa Emma Fitzmaurice.
8. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.