Sir/

In Reply to your Letter rec^d from M^r Harrison ^<1> this Morning, I beg to inform you I am engaged with H. Alexander Esq^r in Certain additions to his House. West Wickham – and will continue for a Month or six Weeks longer –

Should feel myself happy in serving of you could you wait the Time mentiond [sic] – The Time being short for 2 or 3 months. If to finish the remainder of work. I left must take a longer Time, will not admit of me bringing my family to Lacock – without your Approbation please to inform me the particulars if you can wait the Time –

I am Sir Your most Obd^t V^y Hb^le Serv^t
D. Reading

West Wickham
Kent –
Feb^y 18^th 1829 –

W. H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Lacock Abbey
near Chippenham
Wilts

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Notes:

1. Henry Harrison (1785?-1865), London architect who was being consulted about proposed changes to the South Front of Lacock Abbey. He was active the parish of St James’s, London, which included Sackville Street. Around 1830, he worked on WHFT’s uncle, Sir Charles Lemon's Carclew House, Cornwall.