Barnack Rectory
Stamford

April 18. 1832

Dear Talbot

I should have written sooner, had not the plan of Lacock Vicarage, caused us some doubt – Our wishes inclined us to accept it, but I really think the rooms are, every one of them, too small for their purpose –

Nor do I see how I could well ask M^r Paley ^<1> to assist me in any such alteration of the house as could make it a comfortable residence for our family.

At the end of last week, a friend offered me the curacy of South Luffenham, Rutlandshire – where there is an excellent, new house, furnished, and a very small population –

This offer has no influence in determining me to decline the curacy of Lacock but we have already experienced the evils of a small house – the parsonage of Wing being, in point of accommodation, about on a par with Lacock parsonage –

I shall have an opportunity of sending to your house in Sackville Street, ^<2> the plan, in a few days –

We remain here till the end of July; and then I suppose shall go to Luffenham – but a letter directed here will, of course, follow me –

I am very sorry to have given you so much trouble in vain; but you well know, the disappointment is great to me –

Believe me, dear Talbot,
very truly yours

Charles Porter

H. F. Talbot Esq^re
31 Sackville Street
London
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts

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Notes:

1. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.

2. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.