TALBOT569

Malvern ¹
May 14^th

My Dear Henry

I cannot tell you how shocked I was at hearing yesterday the melancholy fate of M^r Perceval, ² as I am sure you must have been, who were perhaps playing at Chess with his unfortunate son at the very moment it happened. I believe there could not be a man fitter for sudden death, as his private character was excellent, but it is a disgrace to our Country that England should resemble Italy ³ in malicious & revengeful assassination. I feel much for poor M^rs Perceval ⁴ whose loss is dreadful. The Prince Regent sent a message to the House of Commons the next day to desire they would provide for M^r Perceval’s family, which was carried of course nemine contradicente, for all political animosities ⁵ are forgotten in the recollection of his private virtues. The whole House of Commons on all sides were very much affected, Indeed it was an event to strike them with both pity & horror. – You have not told me whether there are any books you wish for now. Would you like D^r Smith’s Introduction to Physiological & Systematic Botany, ⁶ or shall I keep that for the Holidays. I wish you would not write to me when you are in a hurry because then you do not answer my questions. Lucian ⁷ for instance. What heaps of Percevals appear by your list to be at Harrow ⁸. Is Lloyd the Captain ⁹ the same I heard speak last year? How I wish I was [illegible] at the Speeches this year!

The Harrow post cannot be stranger or more inconvenient than this. Betty ¹⁰ has got a place with M^rs Evelyn Shirley in Warwickshire

Ever yours aff^ly
E T F

Yours is just come. How long did D^r Butler stay away? I am very sorry for his loss in M^r Perceval.¹¹ What became of you during D^r B’s absence? did the school go on as usual?

W. H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Rev^d D^r Butler’s
Harrow
Middlesex
Malvern May 14. 1812 ¹²