TALBOT8357

Farrance’s Hotel
Belgrave S^t
S. W.

3^rd April 1861

My dear Henry

I have not heard from you for ages – but I trust you will not fail to let me see you on your way through Town. It is quite dreadful how little I see of you now – You must really let me know beforehand what day you are coming up, & where you are to be found – (Upon this subject you are always as mysterious as a conspirator) you must arrange to come & dine with us – or something or other. I am sure you would like to see the relics of Sir J. Franklin ¹ at the United Service Institution ² – I have got a ticket, & can take you in. I have been there once & only paid a hurried visit. I want to go again very much – They are most exceedingly interesting. There are many other very interesting things besides – A lock of Lord Nelson’s ³ hair – a large gun fished up from the Mary Rose, ⁴ sunk in Henry 8^th’s time, &c &c &c

Your will be glad to hear that Katie & her Babe ⁵ are going on quite well – Val ⁶ went down to Mount E. ⁷ yesterday, to muster his Volunteers for a grand Inspection of the Garrison by the Duke of Cambridge. ⁸ Charlie ⁹ has just finished his duty at the Tower – he complained of feeling rather sick of the Tower after a week’s residence there (I mean without leave during that time) – upon which I thought proper to recall Sir Walter Raleigh ¹⁰ to his mind!

His Battalion has moved now to Windsor, & he is on leave for 3 weeks.

Please answer me, & say when you are coming. Have you written or published anything lately?

Y^r Aff^te Sister

Caroline