[on note-sized, deep mourning paper]

Dear Henry

Thank you for y^r letter, & for the assistance you have given me in writing to Mons^r Goucet.

when [sic] the Book is published I shall like to read it –

I think it so extremely kind of you to renew y^r invitation, I had intended to propose myself next week, but I am obliged to alter my plans as my Mother ^<1>is not very well, & she wishes me to go to Normanby ^<2>– however after I return to London (w^h I think will be about the 12^th of Oc^t.) should you, & M^rs Talbot be able to receive me it will give me great pleasure to go to Lacock –

My love to M^rs Talbot, & y^r Daughters – Believe me Y^rs Sincerely
Sophia Ilchester

31. O. B. S^t
Sep^t 11^th /

[envelope - banded in mourning black]
Henry Talbot Esq^r
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

---

Notes:

1. Lady Julia Brigidia Sheffield, née Newbould (1800-1875).

2. Normanby Park, Lincolnshire home of the Sheffield Baronets.