Feb. – 23. – 1834
My dear Henry
Did you observe that the Times <1> reported you as absent on the Pension list question? <2> – It is rather hard that you should not get credit for your most zealous attendance, though perhaps in the eyes of your Constituents, this seeming neglect would be more easily pardoned than the fact of your having voted against their wishes. – for I conclude there is little doubt of their being against all Pensions. –
Mr Feilding <3> says he dislikes Baron Smith <4> so much that he is not sure he should have voted in his favor, even to support Ministers. – I hope you will not have many discussions so long as this – for it must really be fatiguing after working hard in the morning. –
Yesterday I submitted my poor sketches to Mr Montgomerie’s <5> criticism. he – encourages me to proceed & will I hope give me a little advice about correcting the most glaring defects. – He makes most charitable allowances for them in consideration of all my difficulties. –
My groupe [sic] of flowers on canvass grows wonderfully. – I know you do not approve of my working, so I am taking advantage of your absence. – but as you fo are fond of flowers I expect you will admire it when finished. –
The letter I enclose from Devizes came by Friday’s post. – I do not know whether it is of any consequence but I we send it in case. – I write to Mrs Sneyd <6> to tell her I have engaged a Maid, as my Mother <7> says she will expect to hear. – Will you let Edward <8> enquire particularly whether she is still in Town & if not to ask her address in the Country.
Yr affecte
Constance.
Notes:
1. The Times (London).
2. See Doc. No: 02817.
3. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (1780–1837), Royal Navy; WHFT’s step-father.
4. Sir William Cusac Smith (1766–1836), baronet and Irish judge. See Doc. No: 02823.
5. Rev George Stephen Molyneux Montgomerie (1790–1850), artist, Norwich.
6. Mrs Maria Sneyd, of Blackheath.
7. Sarah Leaper Mundy, née Newton (d. 1836), WHFT’s mother in law.
8. Edward, a valet to WHFT.