General Post Office
10^th December 1832.

Sir,

I have the honor to inform you in reply to your letter of the 8^th inst, ^<1> that the Franking Privilege^<2> may be exercised on & from the 20^th Ins^t, being the commencement of the forty days previous to the Summons of the next Parliament.

I have the honor to be, Sir your obedient, humble Servant
T. Reilly
Secretary

H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

[printed] On His Majesty’s Service. Mr Lawrence[?]

H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

[printed] General Post-Office.

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Notes:

1. Letter not located.

2. As an MP, WHFT had franking privileges and was entitled to free postage. Members commonly gave signed covers or envelopes to friends. At the time, the recipient paid for postage (to ensure that the letter was delivered). This arrangement was withdrawn in January 1840 with the introduction of the Penny Post, which instituted uniform costs and pre-paid stamps.