TALBOT3659

Chippenham ¹
24 April 1838

Dear Sir,

I went over to Lacock on Saturday last – having been previously informed of the Fire at Henry Vennell’s Cottage – I then directed John Gale ² to make an Estimate of the damage, in order that my Son West ³ might apply to the office upon the subject – As I was not quite well yesterday, West went over to Lacock for me & took the opportunity of examining the Premises at Bowden Hill – I had no Idea that you would like to rebuild the Cottage, & you will, I am confident, be glad to hear that I am enabled to put Vennell (who is a very respectable Tenant) into another Cottage in the immediate neighbourhood, as Edw^d Orchard is going away [illegible] Vennell is to take his at the time – & the Rent is just the same

Poor Vennell had his working Tools burnt & a little of his Furniture [illegible] being an industrious man, I am pleased to find that there is an Idea of subscribing a little Fund to get him on his legs again – Lady E.F ⁴ – was kind enough to intimate her intention of doing something for him, when the extent of his loss is ascertained – the Fire seems to have been entirely accidental & fortunately in the middle of the day – so that there was as little loss of Property as could have been expected & no personal injury –

As soon as we get an answer from the Fire office, I will take care to inform you the Particulars,

I am Dear Sir Y^r Obliged Ser^t
W. H. Awdry

The garden is a very small one & I have promised to let Vennell continues to rent that in addition to his own Cottage –

W. H. F. Talbot Esq
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London