TALBOT2161

Chippenham ¹

Thursday Morn^g

Dear Sir,

As I think it probable from what I have heard, that some of your Opponents may impute improper motives respecting the use which has been made of Lord Landsdowne’s ² Name in behalf of your cause – I beg to assure you that I have not in any way compromised it on this occasion – when I called on W^m Gale ³, I did so distinctly as your Steward & in that capacity appealed to his feelings whether “a Relation of Lord Lansdowne’s who had (as well as M^r Neeld ⁴) been very kind to the Inhabitants of this place, had not a better claim to his second Vote, than a Stranger” –

I cautiously abstained from either Threat or Promise as to future employment, being well aware that the Bribery Oath includes the word “Employment” –

As I shall be gone from this part of the County before your arrival, I felt anxious to leave this explanation upon the subject –

I am dear Sir
Y^r much obliged

W. H. Awdry

W. H. F. Talbot Esq