TALBOT3416

[this is written on the same sheet as a note from Caroline - see ]

Laycock Abbey
31^st Dec^r

My dear Henry

I feel quite sure that if the huge excrescence was gone & the Gallery made into a pleasant room, you would like this Place & think it chearful, wher[e] ¹ it cannot be now with that informe Mole ² stuck before it. This Gallery resembles the old one at Hamilton Palace but with greater capabilities. L^y Lansdowne ³ & Mary Fox ⁴ spent the morning here yesterday, the House looked very comfortable & felt very warm, a great merit in this weather

When you are passing thro’ London I shall give you a commission to bring me a tooth brush in this shape [illustration] sold only by M^r Waite in Old Burlington St exactly opposite Lord Ilchester’s ⁵

M^r Awdry dined & slept here the day before yesterday. He thought his room so metamorphosed & so comfortable Often as he has been here he has not slept in the house since it has been altered.

Calne January first 1830 Lansdowne ⁶
Henry Talbot Esq
Post office
Brighton