Lacock
8th Novr 1830. –
Sir,
Some of my Family have visited your district both this and last Week, – I hope by next Monday I may be able to attend myself.
There are about 40Ft of Roofing done, and about 20 of them covered in – the stack is ready to receive the Chimney and the flat course is nearly done to receive the Bannisters – part of the parapet is lengthened this Week and some brickwork done in the inside. <1>
The new leathers to the engine were done immediately after you gave the order, and on the 4th instt I had it brought down by the side of my Garden and worked; the new leather was porous in places which I find is generally the case until it has been done over with Beeswax and fat – this I have directed Blackham to do. Strong has not yet sent any Plan of a Window when he does I will attend to it as you desire.
The day fixed for the Winter distribution of things to the Poor is fixed for the 6th of December. I will take the liberty of giving you a statement of Subscriptions, Donations, Deposits &ca which will give you a clearer view of what can be effected – doubling the Deposits you will perceive to be impossible
| £ | s | d | |
| Subscriptions | 20 · | 11 · | 0 |
| Donations – | 22 · 8 · | 0 | |
| _________ | |||
| 42. | 19. | 0 | |
| Expenses incurred | – 5 – – | |
| Amt of Deposits to |  | 26 · 15 · 1½ |
| the 1st November |
and it must be remembered that along the Winter Months up to next April there will be a considerable Sum wanted to relieve cases of Distress in the various districts.
I am Sir
Your Obedt Humble Sert
Philip Phelps
W. H. Talbot EsqW. H. F Talbot Esq
31 Sackville Street
London
Notes:
1. WHFT made major alterations to the south front of Lacock Abbey between 1828 and 1831 [see also Doc. No: 02059, Doc. No: 02074, and Doc. No: 02076].