Caro Signore <1>
Ho ricevuto la sua lettera e ne sono molto contenta. <2> – I wrote to your Mamma <3> from Shepton–Mallet as I told you I would, and informed her I had some hopes of soon hearing of your safe journey to London by your own hand. – You may recollect that I wrote three or four Letters from Bristol, Miss Shakespear sent me a very agreeable Epistle from Lidley. – She will be detained there longer than she thought, by her younger Sister’s having the Meazles. – I found my Acquaintances at Bruton all well, and very glad to see me again. – I was asked last Night to a little Party to meet Mrs Chas Digby Senior, <4> who used to live at Kilminton: perhaps you do not recollect her; but it makes my heart beat quick to see any Connection of your Family. When you grow older you will experience those Sensations, till when, ‘ Vive l’Allegresse' <5>’! I had a charming Letter from your dear Mother: she was on the Wing for Bowood. <6> All at Penrice <7> were well, Dieu merci! <8> – Acept my best wishes for your true happiness May you improve daily, in Virtue, Understanding and Health! –
I am Dear Mr Henry
Yours sincerely
Ann Agnes Porter
Bruton &c
Octr 20. 1813. –
[Address panel:]
Single
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Harrow School
near London
[Added on verso of wrapper:]
Bruton Oct. 20. 1813.
Notes:
1. Dear Sir.
2. I have received your letter and I am very pleased with it.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.
4. Probably related to Juliana Maria Strangways, née Digby (d. 1842).
5. Long live happiness/joy.
6. Bowood House, nr Calne, Wiltshire, 5 mi NE of Lacock: seat of the Marquess of Lansdowne.
7. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
8. Thank God.