Bath Dec: 12^th 1846

Sir

The verbal and written communications which I have had with M^r Little on the subject of your occupation bridges left no doubt on my mind (however unwarranted on his part) that he was your accredited agent and had received your personal instructions to inform me as to the sites which you had selected –

I had no desire on behalf of the C^oy nor did the agreement leave me any power, to select the sites otherwise than in accordance with your wishes – but as two of the bridges have been commenced I trust that on considering their positions as laid down on the accompanying plan, that you will be enabled to concur with M^r Little as to their eligibility.

Mess^r Awdry have had instructions as to the sum which the C^oy are disposed to give as compensation for the substitution of a Level crossing for the third bridge opposite Wick Farm.

I concluded that you had declined their offer –

I was quite aware that Subsequently to my interview with M^r Little, negotiations respecting these bridges had been entered into by yourself & Mess^r Awdry – but of course it was not to be deduced from that circumstance that M^r Littles agency was <illeg> & unknown.

I trust however that his views will be found to have coincided with your own – and that you will believe that on behalf of the C^oy there is every desire to trust your wishes & to carry out the agreement in the fairest & most liberal manner.

My absence from home has prevented my sending an earlier reply.

I have the honor to be Your obed St

<M?> Ward

H. F. Talbot Eq.

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H. F. Talbot Esq^r