TALBOT1909

Gayton, Northampton,
10 Dec^r 1829

My dear Talbot,

Nothing could be more gratifying to me than your very kind proposal of visiting me in my “rural retirement of Gayton”: A more welcome Visitor it would be impossible for me to name; and the time will be in all respects convenient: I shall certainly not quit Gayton before Christmas.

Next week until Friday some of the Percevals ¹ (not unknown to you) will be with me: they would be delighted to see you. Should your arrival be deferred till their departure, (which I calculate from your distance to be possible,) when I now [sic] precisely the day of your coming, I may be enabled to engage some one or two of our neighbours to meet you. I shall not however provide a large party for your reception, – partly because I do not wish to receive you, as a formal visitor, with divided attention, – and partly, because M^rs Butler ² is in a State, in which the fatigue of a large party is as much to be avoided as the cheerfulness of a smaller one is desirable

One expression in your letter, (which I hope to find an Erratum,) has rather distressed both her and me; I mean that of “spending a day” with us: Depend upon it we cannot let you off with a day’s visit: for “a day” read “a few days”.

Nevertheless for one day or many, come: & with our kindest regards, believe me Ever Most Sincerely & affect^ly yours,
Geo. Butler.

W. H. Fox Talbot Esq.
Post Office,
Newark