TALBOT2097

[The letter is in the BL and its envelope is in the NMeM.]

My dear Henry

I suppose it is hardly worth while to write to-day – but mayhap you may get it before you set off. I am very glad you are coming to-morrow & that your presence is no longer required at Laycock. I think there seems to be a n general opinion that the state of things is getting better.

The general rising is to be Monday the 6^th –

It is dark almost as soon as one gets up now – it is really like living under ground – Poor Kit ¹ is on the Committee for Boroughbridge – and consequently obliged to be up at eight every morning & sit there for 6 hours.

They had a false alarm at Moreton ² the other night – at about ten oclock the winding of a horn was heard, which is the signal for assembling in case of attack. ³ There was instantly a scene of uproar & confusion, some flying to arms, & some lighting candles – Aunt Harriet ⁴ roused the sleeping garrison & Henry ⁵ buckled on his armour – till at last some one bethought himself of running out to see what it really was – when it turned out to be a boy driving home a team of horses – playing on the horn to beguile the weary way. – Aunt Louisa ⁶ is going to Bowood ⁷ Monday. She wanted to take Theresa & Caroline ⁸ with her but I believe Uncle Harry ⁹ would not consent.

Addio caro ¹⁰ I have no news to tell you –

Your aff^te sister
Horatia

Saturday

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^r
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham