Chippenham ^<1>

April 15, 1831

Sir

I received your favor ^<2> of the 13^th Instant and have employed a Person for the purpose of counting the Houses in this Parish, which I expect he will be able to complete by Monday or Tuesday next. – I have desired him to distinguish as near as he possibly can those above £10 per ann^{m <3>} from the others. –

The Electors do not appear at all anxious for petitioning on the Subject of their Disfranchisement, M^r Neeld ^<4> has canvassed the Borough, & has said it is impossible the Reform Bill can pass in its present shape & that Chippenham will continue to return two Members, ^<5> – I hope the latter part of this Assertion will prove true, for I believe, if a fair Census was now taken the Population would exceed 4000.

I beg to inclose you a Circular of M^r Scropes ^<6> who is very active here in calling on & conversing with the Householders generally. –

I remain Sir
your very obed Servant

W^m Wilmot. Jun^r

H. F. Talbot Esq^r
31, Sackville Street
London

Double only –

---

Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Not located.

3. That is, qualifying the householder to vote.

4. Joseph Neeld (1789–1856), MP & botanist.

5. See Doc. No: 02168.

6. George Julius Duncombe Poulett Scrope (1797–1876), MP & scientist.