4, Old Palace Yard, S.W.
Jany 1st 1858
Sir,
Some time ago I took the liberty of addressing in order to ascertain, on the part of Lord Talbot, what deed or documents you had in your custody relating to your family Estates, calculated to assist in point of Pedigree Lord Talbot’s claim to the Earldom of Shrewsbury –
You were Kind enough to reply to my enquiry expressing your regret that you had not any thing to assist me –
I now find that in the year 1716 Mr Talbot, who was the then owner of Salwarpe & Lacock Abbey had in his possession a settlement dated the 12th of Novr 1683 executed on the marriage of Sir John Talbot’s Son (Sharington) with a daughter of Sir Francis Lawley & I am in great hope that, if you would Kindly allow your Solicitor to look through your muniments of Title, this deed may be found in your possession or at least some trace of it be forthcoming.
It is with no little hesitation that I venture thus to intrude upon you again but my duty to Lord Talbots hardly leaves me an option in the matter. I need hardly say that if the deed itself is not found a copy or abstract of it would be of service in the absence of the original. –
Begging you to accept my apologies for this intrusion
I am Sir Yr very obedt Servt
Richd: Nicholson
H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abby[sic]
Chippenham
Wilts
4. Atholl Crescent
Edinburgh