Abbotsbury <1>
24 Sep 1842
My dear Henry
I have the painful task of informing you of the sad event that has befallen us in the Death of my poor Mother <2> which took place yesterday without pain or struggle – After so long an illness as she had had it is a release that can not but be happy for herself, though a deep affliction to Her Survivors.
I shall write to your Mother & Caroline <3> in Sackville Street, <4> whence I suppose their letters will follow them – as I know not where they are
We have nobody with us but Fanny, <5> but we hope to have Harry <6> here Monday, if my letter reaches him –
You will not expect more at present but believe me
Yrs afftely
W. Fox Strangways
Notes:
1. Abbotsbury, Dorset: home of William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways.
2. Juliana Maria Strangways, née Digby, Countess of Ilchester (d. 23 Sep 1842), 2nd wife of Henry Thomas Fox Strangways, 2nd Earl of Ilchester (1747-1802); WHFT's grandmother; 'Grand Mam'.
3. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother, and Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister.
4. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
5. WTHFS’s cousin Frances, younger daughter of the Rev the Hon Charles Strangways.
6. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858).