1 Suffolk Place
Cheltenham
May 31. 1834
Dear Talbot
I have been here for a fortnight, for the benefit of my health; which has been, for some months, but indifferent.
At the end of next week I shall go to my brother’s in Somersetshire, and in the following week return here to repeat my trial of these waters. I think by a slight deviation from the route, I may, on my return, pass by Lacock, and, if you permit me, see the abbey; and the spot to which your friendly invitation had once nearly called me –
I do not know how far I am indebted to you, and to other kind Friends for it: but I have been received at Burghley with the greatest condescension – my eldest brother married a broth cousin of Captain Spencer’s, who married Lady Exeter’s <1> sister – but such a connection is too remote to have caused my Patron’s continued kindness to me –
If you go to the North of England you must not forget that I reside in Stamford, and should be hurt by your passing my door – my family, now consisting of six children, nearly fills my house: but I have a spare bed, and an ample board –
I remain here till after the delivery of letters on Friday next June 6; for some days after that, my address will be
“Maperton House
near Wincanton
Somersetshire”
I take the liberty of enclosing a letter, which I should be obliged by your allowing a servant to put into the Twopenny post –
Believe me, dear Talbot,
very truly yours
Charles Porter
W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre M.P
&c &c &c
London
<on back folds in WHFT’s hand: money additions, starting ‘Gold Silver Copper’>
Notes:
1. Isabella Brownlow (d. 1879), née Poyntz, Lady Exeter.