TALBOT9018

Mount Edgcumbe ¹
Monday Sept^r 18^th 1865

My dear Henry

The Palm arrived quite safe at the Winter Villa ² on Saturday. I have not yet seen it, but am going over there soon.

I rather expected to hear from Amandier ³ this morning – but have had no letter.

My little Grandson ⁴ is to be christened this week. His godfathers are Lord Abercorn & L^d Clanwilliam, ⁵ & his first Godmother is Lady Lansdowne. ⁶

Just at the last, when Val ⁷ saw the Prince of Wales ⁸ in Town en passant, ⁹ he proposed that the Princess ¹⁰ sh^d be Godmother. So there are two to look after him. He is to be called Piers Alexander Hamilton. Val found him much grown, & Katie ¹¹ very well – only rather weakened by the excessive heat. What a pity she was not allowed to be here, all this lovely summer! You have not sent me the proper names, & native Country of the Palm? ¹² What sort of thing is Hedychium? I think that was how you spelt it, but I have not the letter in the room, to refer to. The Bamboo in the upper Garden is a sight! The most beautiful, graceful thing you ever saw – waving it’s long green hair over the path way! my love to all,

Y^r aff^te Sister
Caroline

[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq^re
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham