Lacock Abbey
Sat. March 7.th
My dear Henry –
I know not whether you will have time for studying such common place things as Nurserymaid’s lists – but I forward this on the chance – & have determined to add a thin cover which will not <illegible deletion> cause it to exceed the 2 postages. – I have been very diligent & sowed all the Seeds which you left with me.– It seems so strange to have no Photography going on this brilliant weather! &. I fear you will fret & v<ex> <1> yourself at being obliged to waste it all at Salisbury <2> – but it promises to last; so I hope you will have plenty of it when you return. – Till this present fit of fine weather we have been so long without out of door enjoyment, that I scarcely know how to make enough of it. – & I & the children <3> spend the chief part of our time out in the air – It gives me new existence to that degree that I think you will find me quite improved & amiable when you return – Pullen <4> came home in good time yesterday & pleased me much by his account of your succes <sic>. –
I hope you will let me know what day you intend to be in Sackville Street <5> that I may forward your letters aright. – The Chicks <6> are quite blooming –
Adieu dearest – take care of yourself – & pray come home if you can before Rosamund’s birthday that you may assist at her tea drinking –
Yr Affe
Constance
Henry Fox Talbot Esqre
Post Office
Salisbury
paid
Notes:
1. Text torn away under seal.
2. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat, had suggested that WHFT photograph Salisbury Cathedral in Doc. No: 04056.
3. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1st daughter, Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter and Matilda Caroline Gilchrist-Clark, ‘Tilly’, née Talbot (1839–1927), WHFT’s 3rd daughter.
4. William Pullen, Lacock Abbey coachman.
5. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
6. Her nickname for their children.