TALBOT1494

Green S^t
October 21^st

Dear Henry

I was very sorry not to get a peep of you before you took flight, but I hope you have only departed like the swallows to visit us again in the spring, Many thanks for taking charge of my parcel from D^r Hooker, ¹ were you in the secret of its contents, & can you advise me how, where, & after what fashion to acknowledge its arrival into my possession? I am puzzled to know whether he intended it there to remain, or to be returned after being inspected – You will easily understand the awkwardness I feel, under the fear of either appropriating what may not be intended to be kept, or returning what may be very kindly meant for my acceptance – The book is the 1^st vol. of Drummond’s musci Scotici ² containing beautiful specimens, with their localities &c – There was no note from D^r Hooker or any notice beyond the direction you saw – now as I do not like to remain long without acknowledging, this very polite attention on his part, whichever way it is to be taken, will you have the kindness to write me a few lines in answer to this & direct under cover to Lord I. at Melbury ³ where I shall soon be – Henry ⁴ was married yesterday, I think he has chosen a very nice little wife, & tho’ they must contrive to be happy without riches, I trust they will prove so – & believe it too – I wish we could hear something of John Strangways ⁵ –

Y^rs very sincerely
A M Murray

Henry Talbot Esq^r
Poste restante
Paris