Llandough –
Cowbridge.
January 25th/64
My dear Mr Talbot,
Having seen Laycock and taken all things into consideration I have determined to accept your kind offer, the great inducement to me is the extent of population as it will give me more work to do than I have at present. I am sorry that I have been so long in my decision, but as in money’s worth it is not better than what I at present have, it was my duty to weigh well the pros and cons. The house is in a very poor state, and will I fear require a great deal of repair before it is inhabitable, it is not nearly such as a good one as my present one though externally more pretentious. I like the church very much, the nave has been so nicely restored. I shall not be able to leave here till the second week in May, as I wish to have one more Ascension day which is a great day in this parish. I shall leave here with great regret but I think it my duty to undertake more work when I have the offer, if it was not for this nothing would induce me to leave a parish where I have got on so happily. I count upon your promise to come and reside again at the Abbey a resident landlord makes all the difference. My mother has not yet left Merthyrmaur though I think she will the end of next week – She does not altogether agree with me as to my decision, but I think I am right.
Yrs truly
Edward P. Nicholl
PS. I hope you will call my mother’s son by his Christian name.
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
The Athenæum
Waterloo Place
London