The Grove Harrow July 25. 1856
My dear Sir
I regret to have to tell you that your son unfortunately fell ill of the Mumps yesterday. Mr Hewlett hopes that the attack will turn out to be a slight one, and thinks that your son may in that case safely leave Harrow on Wednesday next. I will let you know however tomorrow how he goes on. He had fortunately passed through most of his Trial before the attack came on.
Believe me truly dr Sir Yours vy kindly
Thos Henry Steel
W Fox Talbot Esqr
[envelope:]
W Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
TH Steel