19 Cambray Place
Cheltenham
Jany 23rd 1826
My dear Henry
A person of the name of Hayward <1> who rents one of your Farms at Lacock, called on me today to request that I would apply to you to permit a Mr Pearce who is his brother in law to rent another farm called Whitehall which is become vacant. He has already applied to your Agent Mr Awdry who is favourable to Mr Pearce but Hayward wished me to write to you that you might interest yourself in his favour. I have known the Haywards for many years & believe them to be very respectable worthy people & as they have a large family I shd be glad to interest you in their behalf.
I understand another person has already applied for the Farm in question which is vacant by the death or resignation of a Mrs Edwards the widow of the last Tenant. I hope I have made myself clear
I saw Jane <2> a few weeks since in her way to Penrice <3> I hear that dear Charlotte <4> is much better for her stay in London. I fear you never travel this road or I should have much pleasure in introducing [illegible] to you. If Lady Elisabeth <5> is with you make my kind remembrances if indeed she recollects such a person.
Yr affece Cousin
M: A Shakespear
Notes:
1. Thomas Hayward (b. 1783), tenant farmer, Wick Farm, Lacock.
2. Jane Harriot Nicholl, née Talbot (1796–1874).
3. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
4. Charlotte Louisa 'Charry' Traherne, née Talbot (1800–1880), WHFT’s cousin.
5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.