February 25.
My dear Henry
Did you ever hear the tradition that Sir Stephen Fox was Page to Charles 1st1 & attended him at his execution? – Please to find time from you Philosophical &c &c pursuits to reply to this Family-historical Query. – The reason I ask is because Jesse in his Memoirs of George 3d, just published,<2> says in speaking of the Fox Family that the late Lady Holland2 used to mention as a remarkable Fact that tho’ nearly two Centuries had elapsed since the death of Chas I there was still living [in the person of Ld Ilchester]3 a great grandson of the Page who was with him at the Scaffold. – I have asked Charlotte Traherne4 but she never heard of this – so now I want to know if your Mother5 ever mentioned such an anecdote – It is quite new to me – and alas! now Uncle William6 is gone there is not one of that generation left! – Ld Lansdowne7 might have assisted us, from his intimacy & connection with Holland He & its inmates but that too is past. Mr Mundy8 is wanting to write to Constance9 but has been so very full of County business lately, that as I am writing to you he will postpone his letter – particularly as nothing more has transpired relative to the special subject of her letter. Noel & Emily10 are at Weymouth after paying a very pleasant visit at Melbury. They had been over to Moreton for the afternoon & send me a more comforting report of poor Henry11 who seems now really on the right track tho’ he still has gout & is perfectly immoveable.
I am afraid you will find Paris ruinously dear, tho’ I shall envy your seeing the Exposition12 – A Frenchman – husband of a friend of mine was charged – even in Jany 14 francs for a plate of Soup a little bit of game & salad – & a bottle of wine 2.50! – What then will they not charge an Englishman? – I hope you have nearly finished all the wonderful –– I forget what Rosamond13 told me to call them (Photogh Engravings)14 You are to exhibit & are satisfied with your success. A Gentlemen who saw those you gave us – exclaimed that now he shd not despair of being able to Fly! – apparently a great object of his ambition. Will you turn your attention next to accomplishing this please.
I trust Matilda & the wee Grand Daughter15 are progressing perfectly. Mrs J. Nicholl has also a Girl her 4th child.16
Yr affte Cos
H G Mundy
Love to all –
[envelope:]
Henry Fox Talbot, Esqr
13 Great Stuart Street
Edinburgh
Please cite as “TALBOT9199,” in Ɛpsilon: accessed on