TALBOT7082

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The Athenæum

London

Tuesday 5 Dec^r

My Dear Constance

I would run down and see you for a day before this trial comes on, but I cannot get counsel to fix a time for a consultation, so till they do so, I am kept prisoner. I have collected nearly all the evidence which I think necessary or useful – Unfortunately the jury are probably all ignorant persons, at least ignorant of anything but commercial business – So the Counsel who makes the most plausible speech will have the best chance of persuading them. Perhaps the Judge will try and keep them straight, he is likely to understand more of such a subject, though not much.

I think I never possessed Vol 1 of the Chemist, though I had forgotten that circumstance. – Thanks for your trouble in looking for it. The parcel I sent to M^r Wilson was carriage paid.

I think you had better not mention the rent any more to Miss Spedding. I have her banker’s receipt for the money & that suffices.

You had better write to M^r Williams and ask exactly at what time Charles will arrive at Swindon

Your aff^te

Henry