Reference
Z584/12
Title
Letter from J.Forbes of Woburn Abbey to Mr.Miller at Alton Towers, Ashbourn, Derbyshire
"The calceolarias that you had the goodness to send me have been in Flower now for nearly three months, and I can assure you they have really been the admiration of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford and every one else, (who have a taste for flowers) who have seen them. Should you have any more new sorts to part with at any future period I shall feel particularly obliged by you sending me a few, as they are really a beautiful tribe of plants. I saw an account in the Papers a short time ago of the arrival in London of your Family. I hope you find things going on still satisfactor[i]ly to your mind. The Duke now proposes for me to make a Tour next month, through Belgium, Holland, Germany and Prussia, I shall also most likely either go or return by Paris. I am very anxious to meet with a travelling companion who understands the languages, perhaps some one belonging to your establishment may be returning to the continent shortly. Should you know of any one I will feel obliged by your letting me know. I think I shall leave Woburn about the 5th of Augt. I suppose I can scarcely expect now to have the pleasure of seeing you this season at Woburn. I was in hopes of you taking a trip this way before the return of your Noble Earl & Countess c c. I beg to offer my kind regards to Mrs.Miller whom with family I hope is quite well"
Frank mark of Henry Seymour
[1851 Census for Woburn reveals a James Forbes, aged 56, a gardener, born in Scotland whose address is given as Duke's Kitchen Garden]
Date free text
12 Jul 1835
Production date
From: 1835 To: 1835
Level of description
item