London May 12. 1849
My Dear Constance
You know I had a patent in the United States of America for my invention of photographic pictures. <1> I sold it yesterday for a large sum of money to an American gentleman who expects to make his fortune by the purchase – I hope he may, as he seems a very amiable and intelligent person– <2>
Some time ago Mr Vogel of Frankfort <3> which whom I had no previous acquaintance wrote me word that my invention had raised him from indigence to prosperity –
Your affte
Henry
Notes:
1. This was for his calotype process: Improvement in Photographic Pictures, US Letters Patent 5171, 26 June 1847.
2. Ernst Wilhelm (William) Langenheim (1807-1874), German photographer, active in Philadelphia, in partnership as W & F Langenheim with his brother Friedrich (Frederick) Langenheim (1809-1897). Sadly, WHFT's hope was not realised, for in spite of him giving them extensions on their payments, the Langenheims were not able to make a success of their work on paper. For the terms of their offer, see Doc. No: 06221.
3. Fritz C Vogel, a photographer in Frankfurt and Milan, who was able to raise himself from humble circumstances - see Doc. No: 06185.