TALBOT8453

M^t Edgcumbe
Sept. 12 1861

[on deepest mourning paper]

My dear Talbot

Caroline^<1> wishes me to tell you that the sad ceremony of today went off in the most satisfactory manner. – L^d M^t E.¹ had particularly desired that no undertakers pomp s^d be used at the funeral; so he was carried to his grave in Maker Churchyard² upon his own truck (on w^h his easy chair used to be wheeled) & four led horses of his own drew it. We followed on foot; his two sons his brother, R Macdonald & I[,] C. Cust & Col Fitzroy, L^d S^t Germans & Mr Boger–³ the servants & yatcht[sic] crew⁴ made up the procession – The site of the grave is exceeding beautiful. – Caroline keeps up her spirits wonderfully & tho’ broken down today has been quite cheerful & so has Ernestine–⁵

How much the absence of parade increases the solemnity of a funeral, I never felt so impressed as in this case, & the crowds collected at the Church door were evidently much struck with the simplicity of the whole ceremony–⁶ The body was brought in the steam yatcht [sic] Charlie was in the vessel & they were delayed by contrary winds & only arrived yesterday morning –

I & my wife ⁷ go to Venice on Saturday – Horace ⁸ has been a year at school & gets on very well he learnt Music & French from his Governess & now is on Latin, he is not a quick boy, but very plodding, & will turn out well I think. He rides very well –

My best love s to your daughters & Mrs Talbot⁹ I have not seen you for an age –

Yours aff^ly
T Gaisford