TALBOT5561

[on mourning paper]

Markeaton

Feb^y 10^th
My dear Henry

I cannot let you & Constance ¹ hear first through Newspapers of the sad event which occurred at Moreton² last Thursday – and which was quite as sudden as the death of dear Aunt Mary ³ a few days previously – Tho’ my poor Father ⁴ had been very unwell with a bad cold for about a Fortnight he was convalescent again & wrote to me himself on Monday, so that Henry’s ⁵ letter which I received last night to tell me that all was over, was a most unexpected blow. – Charlton ⁶ was gone for a few days to see my sister Louisa ⁷ who is now at Sidmouth, but Henry was with him at the time, & the Doctor (who was in the Village) in the course of a few minutes, so we have at least the satisfaction of knowing that all that human skill could attempt was done. –

I know that I ought to feel that at his age, 85 & a half, it is a subject for thankfulness that he should be spared a lengthened illness &c, but his mind was so alive to passing events & he took so strong an interest in all our joys & sorrows that we must long feel the want of his affectionate sympathy. Give my very kindest love to Constance, who will most sincerely sympathise with Me I know – I trust you are all recovered from the Influenza she said pervaded the House when she wrote. How sad is the loss at Penrice ⁸ – I feel for them all much, particularly Mary who was so devoted to her Mother. –

Your aff^te cousin
H G^a Mundy

M^r Mundy returned from Town last night – He will probably go to Moreton in the course of next week.