TALBOT2271

My dear Henry

I fear I shall be too much hurried to accept your invitation to Laycock on my way to London, I am just about starting, & do not mean to halt by the way. If the weather should be fine I shall steam it to Bristol but if not, I go by Gloucester. This is the third and I hope positively the last edition of reform. ¹ I have no doubt the bill will be a better one than the last. Auctior et emendatior, circa J. Russell. ² My house is roofed in and though I say it, most superbly executed. I am very curious to see your gallery, but that must be deferred till another opportunity, I hope your builder has satisfied you as mine has me. I am going to make a terrace 130 feet wide, with a pierced quatre-foil parapet and flights of steps, and I have a new design for a tower, most gorgeous to behold.

Ever truly yours
C R M Talbot

Margam ³
Dec 14

[envelope:]
W. H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham