Knockgray
Carsphairn
Galloway
A.B.
July 13th 1874
My dear Papa,
Have you seen the Comet? <1> Here, in this out of the way place, we have had a fine opportunity for watching it, both on Saturday night and last night – on Saturday it was very bright – at Mid-night – last night I first saw it at dusk – but it never got much brighter as there was a haze in the Sky – which was otherwise perfectly cloudless – it appeared to be almost in a direct line between the polar star and the horizon – and the tail pointing upwards – tonight we mean to look out for it again – it has not been very hot here lately – I mean in this part of the World – this particular spot Knockgray is very high up & therefore I fancy always fresh – we return to Dabton <2> tomorrow – Please thank Rosamond <3> for her note I am sorry two of the eggs were broken – I packed them, so it was my fault. Much love to all –
Your most affete daughter
Tilly
Notes:
1. Comet Coggia.
2. Dabton, Dumfriesshire: home of WHFT’s daughter Matilda.
3. Rosamond Constance ‘Monie’ Talbot (1837–1906), artist & WHFT’s 2nd daughter.