Margam Park,
Taibach
Sept 10 1869
My dear Henry
All clerks on the Gt Western (& I believe other) railways, must be under 30 years of age when first taken on. I believe the principal reason for this, is that the benefit societies suffer when claimants come upon its funds at a given age with a shorter term of service than is fair to others. But also, it is found as a rule that the only way to get a good railway clerk, is to train him up from boyhood.
I am glad to think you are again at Lacock, it seems more natural that you should be there, instead of at Edinburgh or Venice.
As for me, I am going out next month to visit Port Said, and satisfy myself that the Suez canal is not a gigantic fable. If you have any fancy to share in my disillusion, find yourself at Naples towards the end of October, and I will ferry you over the water and bring you back by the 1st December. What say you? I shall pay a visit at Ischia to my old servant Saverio, who I went to see last year, & found in wonderful force.
Ever Yours truly
C R M Talbot
[envelope:]
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts