United University Club

Suffolk Street W C

June 2^nd 1870

My dear Mr Talbot,

I was much surprised by your statement in your letter of the 30^th ult: that Mr Roach had told you I had made no arrangement with him, because the last time I was at Lacock I went to the Vicarage specially to see him on the matter, and arranged with him that after the month of May was over when our original agreement was made to end, I should then engage him by the month: and on the same day I wrote to you I wrote to him & told him that I should not require his services after this month: as if I have not arranged an exchange by that time, I have arranged with a friend to exchange duties for a time: you need not be afraid that I shall leave the parish of Lacock insufficiently provided with a proper priest: I have the welfare of the parish as much at heart now as ever, and for that very reason I shall be very particular who I may propose to you and the Bishop as my successor. The I saw the Bishop last Monday and he was excessively kind and told me that he would help me in every way: he also told me of one clergyman who he knew was anxious to change his present position which is in a large town: but I am afraid Lacock is not sufficiently good for him being only £250 net: if however this clergyman would change with me I know he would be very acceptable to many in the parish.

I hope if you come up to London you will let me know when & where to find you so that we may talk matters over.

It is difficult to find a person that would suit Lacock & at the same time a place I should like to go to so that I daresay it will take a considerable time. I am afraid my Ulleswater scheme will not do, as I do not like the account of the state of the parish, the present man & his predecessors having been evangelical.

Yours aff. Coz

Edward P. Nicholl