Dabton
Thornhill
Decr 31. 1873

My dear Papa,

We all wish you many happy New Years! And all sorts of good things besides All the children send love and kisses – to you and to Ela ^<1> – Please wish her a happy New Year from me also – The grand party went off well yesterday – it was very bright and pretty – we had a magic lantern besides the lottery. The children were delighted – there were about 30 in all. Today nobody is the worse, but all a little tired – so I am going to make them go to bed early – The only thing we should have wished otherwise was that it happened to be a very stormy evening – and some of them had to go home in an open Carriage – today it has been bright, fair, and pleasant and we have been out in the morning and afternoon. Rosamond ^<2> and I went to Morton Mill, a large flour mill near here, and examined into all the varieties of poultry food which interested us both. tomorrow New year’s day we are talking of going to Dumfries to a large Poultry show in the Mechanic’s hall ^<3> – that is to say if it is a nice day like this one –

It is just dinner time, so I must say goodbye – John sends you many messages – and Rosamond sends love –

Your most affec^te daughter
Tilly

Mary Maxwell wishes to be remembered also – I don’t think we shall sit up to see the old year out!

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r.
4. Circus
Bath.

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Notes:

1. Ela Theresa Talbot (1835–1893), WHFT’s 1^st daughter.

2. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2^nd daughter.

3. Dumfries Mechanics Institute.