Wallington
21 August
Thanks, Dear Talbot for your epistle from Keswick, <1> by which I was glad to find that you were pleased with your journey that far. – I wish I could have accompanied you part of the way. –
I sent your shells off on the 16th directed to Sackville street, <2> which place I hope they will have reached in safety. –
Last night we received the melancholy intelligence of Lady Wilsons death, on the 17th–<3> it was an event that had been long expected from her very weak state for some time past.
The fruit of the Passiflora Quadrangularis is much increased since your departure and I hope will ripen, there are also three more with a promising appearance. The weather has lately been very cold for this time of year. –
I hear that in the South, near London, many trees have already lost their foliage. –
The Tigridia Pavonia was in blossom a few days since in the Stove, the first I ever saw, and I think is a beautiful flower. –
In a number of the Gentlemans Magazine for last year is an account of a remarkable oak called the Golanos oak,<4> which grew near Newport in Monmouthshire, was cut down in 1810 contained 2426 cubict [sic] feet of timber, the produce of the tree was within a little of 600 £. –
I hope you will have a pleasant tour in France & wish you fair weather for it. – Shall be glad to hear from you whener you can find time to write. – Remember me kindly to your cousin Christopher, <5> & tell him that whenever he can find an opportunity, I shall be very glad to see him here
I remain yours sincerely
W. C. Trevelyan
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
Penrice Castle
near Swansea
Glamorganshire
Notes:
1. Keswick, Cumberland.
2. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
3. His maternal grandmother, Lady Jane Wilson, née Weller (1749-1818), widow of Thomas Spencer Wilson, 6th Baronet (1726-1798).
4. Reported in a letter from 'D.A.Y.', Gentleman's Magazine, v. 87, October 1817, p. 305.
5. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.