TALBOT8519

Chippenham ¹
18 Feb. 1862

Dear Sir,

I have delayed writing longer than I ought to have done in the hope of being able to give you some more definite information about the Iron Works at Seend but though I am told that a new Company is formed and matters are progressing more favorably I cannot find that any thing is sufficiently settled to enable one to form any accurate opinion as to its ultimate success. Your Library has been repapered and I hope you will like it – I selected the Paper at Bath – I am sure you must all have been very sorry to hear of the death of poor M^rs Gladstone² – Sir John Awdry ³ too has lately lost his Eldest Son – When I was at Lacock the other day M^r Blomfield ⁴ told me he was making up his School Accounts and asked me if I had received directions to pay your Annual Subscriptions – Shall I do so? I have received the money for two acres of the Plantation at Nethermore w^ch I sold at £42· an Acre. There are about 1½ Acres more to cut – Wilkins ⁵ recommends its being planted with Potatoes this Year which I think wo^d clear the Land and probably produce a good Crop

Two Cottages in very fair condition have lately fallen into your hands by the death of old M^rs Barton, and two more which are not so good – [severely?] worth repairing – I am glad to be able to report all things well at Lacock and with kind regards to M^rs Talbot ⁶ and your daughters

I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry.