[printed/embossed address:]
Speddoch
Dumfries N.B.

Wednesday June 13^th 1860.

My dear Papa,

I have just got your note of the 11^th, in which you say that it might answer to take lodgings at Moffat for a short time – I believe the place is pretty, and the air good, and from its being a regular watering place for all this part of the world there should be no want of lodgings, though I believe there are no houses, to be had by the month – People go up from Dumfries &c to enjoy the season there – We found on arriving here from Dabton yesterday, both your letters, to Johnnie & to me, about Glen Stewart house, and Mama’s & Monie’s conjoint one to me; for the stupid post office, neglected to send them to us as we had desired them to do. – We have arranged a plan by which either one, or both of us could visit Glen Stewart house from Dumfries next Saturday – for as a few days ago you were not disinclined to take it for a year, I think it is a pity to give the place up without looking at it – we can also find out about lodging, at Moffat, or any place hereabouts with good air; for would it not be a good plan for Mama, Mamie & my sisters with one or two servants, to come north at once, either to Windermere Hotel, or Moffat, if we can get something pleasant there – and if we can hear of a house, the rest of the servants could then follow? I don’t think they would like Moffat for a long time from what I hear of it – but it would be pleasant for a few weeks –

I feel as if my mind was confused by these letters, with their different plans, and I had better not write any more till I have thought them over. Besides the postman waits – Goodbye, then till I write again, dear Papa, thank you for your little flower, which I never saw before – Johnnie is in Dumfries today. The Weather is shocking, as wet as possible, & some of my little turkeys are dead – the damp is so bad for them –

Your affec^te daughter
Matilda.

[envelope, flap engraved "Speddoch, Dumfries, N.B.":]
H.F. Talbot Esq^r.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire