TALBOT7521

The Winter Villa ¹
Jan^y 5^th 1858.

My dear Henry

If you have received a letter I wrote to you on Saturday last, ² You will be somewhat prepared for the sad news I have to communicate today – that dear Uncle Harry ³ died on Sunday morning after barely a week’s illness.

I was afraid he was in great danger, from what Uncle W^{m 4} told me – & also from what M^r Gaisford ⁵ had heard from D^r Bence Jones ⁶ – But as the latest report from M^r Gaisford was that “he was no worse”, I still had hopes.

I received this morning a few lines from Uncle John ⁷ who says: “It is a comfort to us that at last he suffered little or no pain & was quite happy with Theresa & Caroline ⁸ by his side. His loss will be felt keenly by a large circle & will be irremediable to some.” – This is most true – for never was any one more beloved in his family & by all his friends. I regret much having seen so little of him the last year or two, & having been prevented going to Melbury ⁹ as we had settled, two years ago. All my earliest & fondest recollections are associated with him & Melbury.

Will you please thank Constance ¹⁰ for a little note just this moment received. & also Matilda ¹¹ for her letter to Ernestine ¹² –

Ever dear Henry Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline