Barnack Rectory
Stamford
May 21. 1832
Dear Talbot
I have seen Mr Roberts for a few minutes only since his interview with you – and from his words, and your letter, I infer he will not be Curate of Lacock –
Mr Roberts is singular, and very sensitive; but he is a scholar, a gentleman, and a good man –
The other gentleman, of whom I last wrote to you, Mr Bush, is a great Friend of the Bishop of London, <1> and was once curate to Butler <2> at Gayton <3> – I am sorry both for your sake and his, that your report of the soil and situation does not appear to him favorable.
Whether as a companion, a Christian, or a preacher, I know not his equal. I am to be his curate at South Luffenham, while he is travelling in quest of health for Mrs Bush – I much fear her declining health will terminate fatally ere long – I do not know of any one whom I can recommend to your curacy; should I hear of any clergyman, whom I think you would like, I will venture to name him to you – of course, you could not wish to have any one, who would take the curacy as a title for orders –
The parishioners, in general, would not feel so much confidence in a young man, as the guide of their souls –
Your description of the site & of Lacock is very tempting to us; but we have already felt the inconvenience and unhealthiness of a small house; and as a curate, I could not venture to enlarge the house.
If you go to Doncaster or any where northwards this year, will you stop and see us at Luffenham – we go hence to that place at the beginning of August –
Believe me very truly yours
Charles Porter
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Dr Charles James Blomfield (1786–1857), Bishop of London.
2. Rev George Butler (1774–1853), Headmaster at Harrow, where he taught WHFT and Porter.
3. Northampton.