[monogrammed notepaper:] MCG

Dabton
Thornhill
March 27^th /69

My dear Papa,

Many thanks for the vegetable seeds which arrived here quite safely. We are in such an election fever that I don’t know what I am doing, saying or writing – the nomination is on Monday, Polling on Tuesday – Both sides are getting more and more excited as the fatal moment approaches – and there is an asperity of spirit much worse than last time – Threatening letters have been sent to Major Walker & several of his adherents – but all precautions have been taken with police & specials to prevent a row. Major Walker appears to have a promising chance, but then these people cannot be depended on to keep their promises – The other side say they will petition at once if Major Walker is returned, so it may last for six months more! I send you Jack’s photo’ taken in Edinburgh – & 2 of mine; tell me which you like best – I am just going by train to Dumfries & Canuchan – to spend Easter & remain over the election days. The children were to have gone to Canuchan also, as M^rs Clark Kennedy is to be there, with her children – but little Mary is only just recovering from an attack of the nature of Bronchitis – so I do not like to expose her to any cold – & D^r Chalmers thinks Jack is going to have Mumps! I hope this is a mistake, but in case, I will not take any of them With much love to Aunt Caroline & Ernestine, whom I hope you found all well, I am

Y^r affec^te daughter
Tilly

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Cotehele House
Calstock
Tavistock
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham