My dear Henry
Saverio <1> has been obliged to go to Naples by the sudden illness of his wife, he left me at two days notice, and I told him to inquire for a servant for me during his absence of three months. He has recommended me an old servant of yours Giovanni Percy, <2> can you concur in his recommendation I suppose yes as he writes from 31 Sackville Street, <3> though I cannot see why he should be there if he is not attached to your person. I have written to Giovanni to say that I will engage him for 3 months, and to meet me at Bristol next week as I am going to Melbury <4> for some hunting. When do you go to London William <5> says that you are going before the end of the month, shall I pay you a visit chemin faisant <6> to Melbury, I leave this about the middle of next week.
Mary <7> told me she wrote a description of Bella’s <8> wedding, or I should have sent an account with diagrams as I promised. She writes from her new residence what they call comfortable letters –
Every truly Yours
CRM Talbot
Friday
Penrice <9>
W.H. Fox Talbot EsqreNotes:
1. Saverio Levota, Caroline Feilding’s servant and later Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot’s valet.
2. Giovanni Percij.
3. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
4. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.
5. William Thomas Horner Fox Strangways, 4th Earl of Ilchester (1795–1865), botanist, art collector & diplomat.
6. On the way.
7. Mary Thereza Talbot (1795–1861), WHFT’s cousin.
8. Isabella Catherine Franklen, née Talbot (1804–1874), was married to Richard Franklen in late January 1830. [See Doc. No: 01907].
9. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.