TALBOT7131

Stonehouse
Plymouth
March 8^th 1855

My dear Henry

I think you will be glad to hear of the good fortune that has befallen Rim ¹ In the first place I ought to say that he returned quite safe from the Coast of Africa about a month ago – on promotion – having been raised to the rank of Post Captain.

He was extremely ill on the Coast, & had a miserable voyage home in a half disabled Steamer – But he is now in robust health – & is going to be married to Miss Adelaide Vernon, ² a daughter of Lord Vernon’s ³ – a particularly charming & good girl – pretty, clever, accomplished & with some money – not a great fortune – but enough to enable them to live just comfortably, with the little he has. It has been a long attachment on both sides – ever since he left England – But there was no engagement & no one knew of it but the nearest relations.

However, before making any attempts to ascertain if she still thought about him, he had the magnanimity to go to the Admiralty & make known his anxiety for a ship to serve in the Baltic – feeling, as he said himself, that, had he gone to her first, he would not have had “pluck” to ask for a ship afterwards. In the mean time she had been pining ever since his departure; & was did not keep him long in suspence; & they are both now at the summit of human happiness. The law business is yet to come.

I hope all your Invalids are pretty well again. Milord ⁴ is so–so. His house is getting on.

Will you tell me the name of your London Banker, that I may remit the Sum I spoke about. I am so very sorry that odious lawsuit cost you so much.

Ever dear Henry with love to all

Y^rs very aff^te
Caroline