My Dear Talbot
Bankes <1> they say is straining every nerve & has so much support ab extra <2> that a decision in Tindals <3> favour is by no means certain tho’ I hope probable – Just fancy his being beaten by such a fellow you must positively come & rescue the vassals from such a dire disgrace
It is just now asserted here (Tindals come room) that Bankes has this morning received a great accession of strength in consequence of Goulburns <4> retirement & he has just sent round a very ingenious circular which puts the contest in a new & & [sic] not a very fair light viz Catholic on Tindals part versus Anticatholic on his own altho Tindals previous votes & declaration refute this assertion The election begins Wednesday next & lasts Thursday & Friday till one – Besides all this I want especially to see you & hear of your acta & agenda <5> you will find board tho’ I cant promise lodging at Downing which place I want you to see
Believe me Dear Talbot Yours Ever
Thos Worsley
Cambridge
Friday Evg
May 4. 1827 <6>
William Henry Fox Talbot Esqr
Atheneum
London
Notes:
1. William John Bankes (1786–1855), politician.
2. From outside.
3. Sir Nicholas Conyngham Tindal (1776–1846). He was elected MP for the University of Cambridge, defeating Bankes by 101 votes. Both candidates were tories.
4. Henry Goulburn (1784–1856).
5. Actions and plans; what you’ve done and what you mean to do.
6. Written in another hand.