COL. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON 319 



coverts to draw them. I have a list of them ready 

 for you. This is really only a matter of form, as I 

 do not know of a single objector in the whole of the 

 Pytchley country. If you and the meeting close 

 your bargain on the 7th (I can see nothing on our 

 part to prevent this happy conclusion), the above- 

 mentioned circulars are only matters of courtesy. 



" I am very sorry there has been so much delay, 

 but circumstances have rendered it unavoidable. 

 Just off to London. 



" Yours very truly, 



" FRED VILLIERS." 



7th May, 1864. I sent out the following cir- 

 cular : 



BRIXWORTH, gth May, 1864. 



" SIR, 



" I have the honour to inform you that I 

 have undertaken the management of the Pytchley 

 Hounds for the ensuing season. I therefore beg to 

 request that you will grant me permission to draw 

 your coverts in the usual manner. 

 " I have the honour to be, 



" Your obedient servant, 



" J. ANSTRUTHER THOMSON." 



I wrote the following to my wife : 



" RUGBY, 

 "JACK DARBY'S, Wednesday. 



" Old Whitehall had the English cholera and 

 was in his bed, so did not turn up till last night, and 

 I did not see him till this morning. He is delighted 



