From James Farley Turner   [28 July 1826]

Dear Charley

Having an idle hour or two on my hands before we sit down to dinner, I cant do anything that gives me more pleasure than in fulfilling my promise of writing a few lines to you before my departure for Shrewsbury— The Holydays are really come to a very narrow span, & the time will soon be here when I shall come back for the last time but one, w^h. I am happy to say is finally fixed; so that one more speeches over & I shall vanish from thence. This hot weather I suppose you like most other people study to keep as quiet as possible. As far as regards myself however, I am obliged now to keep myself so, as last Sunday I fainted in Church, obliged to be carried out directly &tc, w^h. soon brought me to my senses, an unpleasant thing I must confess, & by no means wish to experience the same thing again. Watkins wrote to me the other day & told me a good deal of news w^h. would be uninteresting to you & therefore shall not relate it: by the way he has seen Hubberstie in Matlock, who is very well after his fatigues in Wales. A Brother of mine & myself do nothing but shoot Rabbits, w^h. is no despicable sport in the cool of the Evening: there are abundance, so that we manage to swell out our pockets pretty well. What you do with yourself I cant conceive, unless it be walk up & down that refreshing, cool (& a dozen other epithets) walk with Shee. Have you been at the Woodhouse lately, I think you talked of visiting it soon when I saw you last. I hope you will excuse so short & uninteresting an epistle; but there being nothing in this part of the country that would be interesting to you, in case I was to pen it, you must excuse it. I am not certain yet whether I shall come on Saturday or Sunday, but most probably the former, so that I may have the pleasure of spending some part of the ensuing day with you. The Loxdales did not half like my coming up both evenings when I was staying, at least this is what I have learnt since, much I care about their likings & dislikings!!!—

I conclude with hoping this will reach you & yours safe—& believe me Your sincere Friend | J. F. Turner.