TALBOT272

Lacock Abbey
March 14^th

My dear Henry

M^r Kenrick ¹ called today to request a favor of you – You may remember his disappointment some time back about this son ² who wished to enter into the Indian army but for want of interest with the Directors, in consequence of the death of one of them who was his Uncle, he tried to fix on some other profession – but could never make up his mind. M^r K is informed, that it is now an easy thing to get young men into the regular army – by merely applying to Lord Hardinge ³ to grant the commission. – But it must be asked for by a third person – he cannot apply himself – He wants you to write to Lord Hardinge, stating that your are well acquainted with the Father, George Cranmer Kenrick, and that you recommend the son, Cranmer Kenrick aged 18 years – [illegible deletion] Sir John Awdry ⁴ told him this morning, that this was the right way of asking & that he would be sure to get it – if no time is lost – but that when a sufficient number have been receiv admitted, of course, the rest will be refused – He knows several in this neighbourhood who have got their commissions merely by asking in this way – He says his son is quite cut out for a soldier – being tall and robust – and has studied beyond what is required – with a view to the Indian service formerly –

I hope you will feel no hesitation in complying with this request of M^r Kenrick’s – for he seemed so very anxious about it – and wished me to write to save time, although I said you would be at home tomorrow evening –

I will send the little carriage to meet you – We got on pretty well at Bath Monday, in spite of the weather. and concluded the business about the Housekeeper Our weather yesterday was better at intervals; but there was a heavy hailstorm about the middle of the day: and much wind – today is grey, raw & miserable – so we should have gained nothing by waiting – Goodwin ⁵ has been very busy, some part of yesterday and today, cleaning & dusting the Tower – and the papers &c which it contains – And we had a grand chimney sweeping today – so tomorrow you will find the house all right again –

Your affectionate
Constance.