Dabton
Thornhill
March 30^th 1868

My dear Papa,

I was very glad to get your letter enclosing the very pretty flowers of the new raspberry – It does not look as if it would bear edible fruit, but if it does, it would be very valuable as it is such an early plant – I mean to write you a proper letter soon – but this evening I have a particular object in view – I have been very busy lately enquiring about governesses – as I think it is time that Jack & Connie should have somebody to look after them – and I have heard a very promising account of a Miss White – daughter of the Vicar (or Perpetual Curate,) of Bruton in Somersetshire) The oth only thing is that I should like to hear something more about the family – and it came into my head that probably Lord Auckland, the Bishop of the diocese would know all about them, as M^r White has been at Bruton for 27 years. I believe Lord Auckland used to be a great friend of yours & if you did not mind writing to him on the subject, it would be a great satisfaction to hear whether they are considered to be nice people in their own district – in fact any information respecting them would be an advantage – Very likely the Bishop himself might know nothing about M^r White’s daughters but the ladies of his family would probably do so – Pray do not do anything in this matter if it is disagreeable to you – but I am rather awkwardly situated in being so far from the object of my enquiries – and I have written to so many people about governesses, that I began to despair of ever hearing of one – I wrote to Lady Hylton to ask her, as Bruton is only 20 miles from Melbury, but she could not help me – She has written to M^rs Strangways on the subject but I have heard nothing since – Do you think M^rs Strangway’s opinion can be relied on – is she not rather a singular person – I imagine so, but then I never saw her. In haste

y^r most affec^te daughter
Tilly

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq^r.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wiltshire-