Wainfleet, 12th June 1846

My Dear Sir,

I have just received your note with its enclosure, intimating the change of the hour of meeting to 3 o'clock at the Gainsboro', and you add that you hope the same will prove convenient to me. To which I reply, by saying it certainly will not be very convenient. But that is not the worst of it, as if I have, as I hinted, to hire a private conveyance for 40 miles a considerable expense will be incurred. This inconvenience and expense do not I may say arise from the change of the hour at Gainsboro', but from the change made in regard to Lincoln and Grantham as found in the list given me. It was a great pity that that change was made, because it the best it involved the loss of time and expense of some 50 miles additional travelling; and now, with this change of the hour at the Gainsboro', the expense will be greatly increased.

I shall however do my best to meet the wishes of our friends despite these awkwardnesses. Nevertheless they should if possible be avoided. You will recollect that I noticed the subject particularly to you regarding the contiguity of places previous to arranging for Lincolnshire. I was sorry therefore to find when I came here, the awkwardness of the change in Lincoln and Grantham, as these to be as they are printed on the list.

I am quite aware that you are next to forced into these changes against your will. Nevertheless it is better I think to put up with some hinderances, to a meeting in a given place than to change after arrangements have been made. I beg you to excuse these observations, and do take care if you please as to your Dorsetshire arrangements. You will oblige me by sending the Dorset list early, that I may see my field distinctly in good time.

Last night our meeting at Burgh was on the Market day, and so I understand it has been for some years. We have now arranged to prevent this in future. Please therefore to put Friday for Burgh in future and Thursday for Wainfleet.

Believe me, My Dear Sir,

Very Truly Yours,

James Thomson.