TALBOT7063

Mount Edgcumbe ¹
Tuesday Nov^r 21^st 1854

My dear Henry

I heard today from Val ² from Highclere. He was to leave it today for London, where he was to be lodged at Lord Cowper’s ³ N^o 1 Stanhope S^t May Fair. He says Lord Fordwich ⁴ wanted to start for Italy tomorrow; but unless he had any reason for hastening away on account of his chest, which is very delicate, Val was not prepared to hurry himself so much.

I believe M^r Gaisford ⁵ goes with them, & as he was to meet M^r Grimsby on Thursday, it looks as if they would remain a few days longer.

I think your adversaries in the lawsuit are the most dishonourable, shuffling people I ever heard of; but you can scarcely expect Lawyers to be scientific. I only hope they will be discomfited like the Russians.

I wish you would tell me what your expences are – as if a small sum c^d be of any use, I should be so happy to help you – tho’ I fear it would be like a drop of water in the ocean – But still I wish you w^d tell me. I hear your enemies are getting up Subscriptions to maintain their unjust cause.

I am so rejoiced at the reinforcements having arrived in the Crimea just in time to assist our worn out troops – How nobly they have all behaved! Poor Tom Strangways ⁶ is a great loss to the service, & an irreparable one to his only Daughter, who was so devotedly attached to him; many of my pleasantest early associations are connected with him; tho’ I have not often seen him lately. Uncle Harry ⁷ will feel his death very much –

Ever Y^rs aff^ly
Caroline