TALBOT2532

Melbury ¹
Dec^r 24.

My dear Henry

the arrival to day, of two portions of Cake from you & your Bride ² to Grandmama & Uncle John, ³ claims grateful thanks, and very sincere congratulations from us both, with the warmest wishes for your happiness these feelings are equally participated & I have engaged to express them to you & to beg of you to make them acceptable to M^rs Talbot whose acquaintance I have now a double interest in making, and when in London next I hope I may not be the Invalid I was last year, & have an opportunity of becoming better acquainted with a family I am now so doubly connected with

I cannot help wishing to W^{m 4} & John the time when they may follow your good example the best road to every happiness & comfort this world can give I am very sure, and that you may both long prove it to be so is the earnest wish of both y^r affec^te Uncle John & also of

y^r truly affec^te Grand Mother
Maria Ilchester