Penrice <1>
Augt 18 1830
My dear Henry
I am just on the point of starting for Cowes, via Lands End, I am glad to think I shall see you there, but I shall have to return to the Cardiff assizes being foreman of the grand jury one of the pleasing duties now entailed on me – then I shall go back to Cowes for a few days more & return to the Cardiff Races which are on the 17th Septr – Nothing can be more satisfactory than the result of the English elections, we are not however so fortunate in Wales, Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire & Brecknockshire & Monmouthshire return all government men. Glamorganshire is preeminent in returning two whig members. I marvel how Lord Lansdowne <2> has managed about Calne, I see too Mr Gye <3> has left Chippenham <4>
I must come and pay you a visit going or coming if you are still there. I long to see the final determination regarding the gallery at Laycock. My building goes on tolerably fast, but the foundations being twelve feet thick causes a vast consumption of materials.
Ever truly Yours
C R M Talbot
Swansea August eighteen 1830 C R M Talbot
W H F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
2. Henry Petty Fitzmaurice, 3rd Marquess of Lansdowne (1780–1863), MP, WHFT’s uncle.
3. Frederick Gye, the elder (1781–1869), entertainment manager, elected MP for Chippenham, 1826.
4. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.