TALBOT7247

Stonehouse

March 27^th 1856

My dear Henry

I have not heard of You for an age. Where are you? & how fares it with you all in these very trying East winds ? They seem to put a stop to all vegetation – All the new creepers planted on the wall of the new little garden in front of the house seem to be in a state of stagnation – But I hope they will be all the more ornamental bye–& bye. The alentours of the Villa are making great progress; The frame work of the Conservatory roof is up – & I am also improving the promenade publique below the rocks terrace. Milord ¹ is Tolerably well considering the weather. Charlie ² is come back very flourishing, & devoutly hoping < n ³>ever to see Messing again. I suppose he will not – at least not in the same capacity. I have just received from Nice a box containing 2 small Olive trees, 2 dear little Carombas, & 4 beautiful tiny Cypresses, quite smooth, as they ought to be. They arrived in a perfect state, & looking as fresh as if they had never been uprooted from their native soil. Love to all–

Y^r aff^te

Caroline

I believe you take in the Globe – If so, you will have seen Milord’s letter – The Times ⁴ of Tuesday does not like it at all – & Wednesday’s Globe ⁵ has an article in defence. Pray read them.
I have had a letter from Amandier ⁶ since they established themselves at Dunkeld. How delighted they are with it – & no wonder – I dare say the woods are very much grown since we saw them 26 years ago! I advised them to visit Killycrankie w^h we did not. –
Ever y^rs again C.
Abominable Rè Bomba! It is more difficult for me to leave home than you – So please come.