TALBOT8780

Rutland Sq^re
Tuesday De^r 29.

My dear Henry

We have read the letters & find several very interesting - A Friend, the Rev. Charles Porter (whom you once wished to have as Curate at Lacock) writes to recommend his son, excusing himself as too old & being also very comfortable in his present situation as Vicar I imagine of Raunds, Thrapston.¹ - I think I ought to forward this letter to you because he suggests if you entertain any thought of his son, that you should meet him at his fathers, to hear him preach &c. Raunds being 3 or 4 miles from the Northampton & Peterboro's Branch of the L. & N. W. Railway. He says if you wish for a clergyman of the So called Evangelical school his son w^d scarcely suit you, as he holds church principles, but is not of any party in the church. -

Next - Rev^d John Henry Littlewood Assistant chaplain of Wakefield Prison encloses testimonials, in a very well expressed letter, strongly & feelingly worded. - proposes to officiate in your presence & requests the favor of an early reply to his suit. -

The Rev^d Walter Francis Lanfear Incumbent for 14 years of a living Southall green, Middlesex under £100 a year, middle aged, with a family - private income very small. Was previously Curate to L^d the Rev^d L^d William Somerset. His father & Mother & Brother lived some time at Lacock, and are buried there. he thinks some of the old people of Lacock will remember his name and Parents - he is not a party man - but his views are what are usually now termed Evangelical - We think this last must be of a very suitable age & we like his letter too. -

Some others are less deserving of notice - I think you should allow me to forward M^r Porter's letter, in case you like to visit him on your return. The son lives at Leighton Buzzard - so you would have to give them sufficient notice -

Charles has your letter - and he wishes me to tell you that he proposes leaving Ed. on the 31^st. He is rather worried & down hearted about the examination - it is a pity, and really seems to be a feeling beyond control. He says he should feel no enjoyment in New Years day were he to remain here. - So he has no temptation to do so.

Your affectionate
Constance

We have chilly damp, dark weather today -

A M^r Brocas of Hart Street Bloomsbury, whose letter I opened with others, being addressed to Lacock, earnestly solicits you to return him certain lists & circulars -