TALBOT7952

Melbury ¹
10 Sep^t 1859

My dear Henry

I hardly know how to prepare you for the very sad intelligence I have to give you – in the sudden death of my poor Brother John ² – which took place on Thursday last at Lord Nelson’s ³ – where he was dining – After dinner he was suddenly seized with a fit which quickly proved to be apoplexy – & tho’ he spoke & was conscious for some short time he gradually sank into a lethargy till all was over.

Apparently he suffered no pain – but lingered in a state of unconsciousness for a day & a night this most unexpected & grievous calamity has thrown us into very great affliction. I was sent for by telegraph but arrived too late, eve if there had been any sign of recognition but poor John never rallied & went off apparently without pain.

I cannot enter into the particulars of the many ways in which I already feel & shall feel his loss I am occupied more with thinking of the two nice children ⁴ just at the age to suffer from – & partly to feel his loss – M^r E. Marjoribanks ⁵ was there & his sister & brother in law M^r & M^rs Grosett⁶ – who will be very useful. Nothing could exceed the kindness of Lord Nelson – which was yet more enhanced by the fact of some distressing circumstances in his family occurring at the same time.

This will not find you at Lacock I suppose, or I would ask if you would attend the funeral next Friday at Farley ⁷

Y^r aff^e
Uncle W^m