[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]
Acton Park
Thursday 15
Dear Mr Talbot,
I regret much to say, that in consequence of deep and sudden affliction, we are obliged to give up the pleasure of receiving you, in common with several other friends, at Madeley, <1> at the time you proposed coming – We were summoned here on Saturday by an express announcing the dangerous illness of Lady Cunliffe, which terminated fatally before we arrived - <2>
We can only hope that you may be coming our way at some future period & make up to us for our present disappointment
Believe me very truly yrs
Emma Cunliffe Offley
[envelope:]
to be forwarded
Wrexham Septr sixteen 1830
H. Fox Talbot Esqr.
Post Office
Worthinton
Worcester
Doncaster
Notes:
1. 4 mi W of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
2. Lady Harriet Cunliffe died on 9 September 1830.