TALBOT8601

Chippenham ¹

12 Sept. 1862

Dear Sir,

The enclosed will speak for themselves – the Steward of the Lacock Branch Club has requested me to bring them before you as one of the Hon^y Members – before he closes his List of Subs^ns you may perhaps like to know how the matter has been dealt with by your Neighbours at Lacock I will therefore add that I observe Sir John Awdry ² and his Mother has given £5 each – M^r Merewether ³ £2 – in addition to a donation of £25· to the general fund. Captⁿ Gladstone ⁴ is still from home – The principal Farmers have given from £1– to ^s5/– and the Tradesmen – from 10/· to ^s5/·

The matter has been taken up kindly throughout the different Branches in this Neighbourhood and I believe a considerable Sum will be raised throughout the County –

I have not lost sight of the questions you put to me some time ago, but M^r Blomfield ⁵ as well as M^r Caldwell ⁶ has been away from home some time – I believe they are now returned and I will endeavor to see them –

I remain Yours obliged

West Awdry.

H. F. Talbot Esq