Private
35 Upper Brook St
Oct 31 1831
Dear Talbot
I think you have nothing to fear respecting – the honor – which you seem to dread so much – of following my example.
I am not deep in the mysteries of my craft and therefore know not how far I am at liberty to divulge what comes officially to my knowledge, but I beleive <sic> I may tell you – your name is on the general list of Gentlemen fit to serve – but not one of the chosen Three for this year who are I beleive <sic> Sir E. Antrobus, – Temple and G. J. Pamphlet Scrope Esqres <1>
You must therefore, unless you wish to be pricked by and bye, get into Parliament. I wish you had been at the Meeting as you ought to make yourself as much known as a Reformer as possible or Scrope (unless he drives us all out of the County) will gain ground on you at Chippenham <2>
He is at all <sic> in the ring and at least, like a certain patient quadruped, between two bundles &c &c, I believe half a dozen. Irons in the fire without end! I hear of him at Stroud in Glocestershire <sic> feeling his way there because Wiltshire is not, I suppose, large enough for him. I think the next Bill will probably give Chippenham two Members. “look to this”
I ought to tell you how I have acted on being called upon to give the Judges names of Sheriffs in embryo I at once declined – saying – I think the whole expence so shameful that I will not entail it by an act of mine upon any other person. “Though they pricked <illegible> till he roared again” but for all his roaring here he is Sheriff.
I have therefore nothing to do with any one name or any one list present or future.
I found Mrs M <3> going on well on my return and I hope to be able to leave her for Corsham <4> in about a fortnight
I want a little air free from smoke though I was am somewhat the worse for my last jaunt
Pray remember me kindly to all at Lacock and
Believe me always truly yrs
Paul Methuen
Notes:
1. Sir Edmund Antrobus; Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865), statesman; George Julius Duncombe Poulett Scrope (1797–1876), MP & scientist.
2. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
3. Jane Dorthea Methuen, née Mildmay (1789–1846).
4. Corsham Court, Wiltshire, 3 mi NW of Lacock: seat of Ld Methuen.