TALBOT8645

Chippenham
30 Jan: 1863

Dear Sir,

I have arranged every thing with Wilkins ¹ for the Tea party, so as to include all who can possibly have any claim to be invited; I have found it necessary to extend the Dinner invitations to 30. instead of twenty as I at first suggested – We revere the usual order of things as to time – fixing the Tea party at 3. the Dinner at 5. I thought you would like M^r Blomfield ² to be invited and have accordingly done so. You shall have a Report of the proceedings – You will I am sure be sorry to hear of the serious illness of Captⁿ Gladstone ³ – He is said to be a little better to-day. We have sustained a great loss from the death of Archdeacon Drury – He will be very much missed in this neighbourhood, and County generally. I am glad to hear a better Account of Lord Lansdowne ⁴ – to-day – You have no doubt heard of his illness – arising from a fall met with a few days ago.

I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
11 G^t. Stuart Street
Edinburgh