Ashelworth <1> nr Gloucester
8 Decr 1845
My dear Sir
I have much pleasure in acceding the request of Mr Bowerbank<2> who is about, I believe, to be the Clergyman of yr Parish that I would give him a letter of introduction to you - I am most favourably impressed with the character of this gentleman, from all I have heard of him, from a mutual friend of his & mine - as also, from our Bishop, who has nominated him to the Cure.
Mr Bowerbank will be the Bearer of this, & I rather think will be accompanied by the "mutual friend" I allude to - Mr Bridges,<3> our late Clergyman at Maisemore & an especial friend (I name this as a "pass-port" better than my own) of yr nephew Valletort-<4>
Mr Bridges is proceeding to the East, & is much interested in the Photographic Art -
My in-augural Address went off to the satisfaction, I believe of the Hearers & I endeavoured, in my mention of the Art, wh I embodied in my Address, to do honour to the "Inventor" -
I beg to remain My dear Sir Yrs very faithfully
HAS Atwood
PS. I beg to acknowledge & thank you for yr letter
[address panel:]
Fox Talbot Esqre
Notes:
1. or Ashleworth.
2. Rev Lewis Bowerbank (1782-1853), curate of St Cyriac's, Lacock ,1846-1847; former Rector of St Catherines, Jamaica, 1823-1843; friend of Rev George Bridges.
3. Rev George Wilson Bridges (1788-1863), photographer & traveller.
4. WHFT's nephew was William Henry Edgcumbe, 4th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832-1917); 'Val', 'Bimbo'; JP & Lord Steward of the Royal Household. Given the age difference, perhaps Atwood meant his father, Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797-1861), WHFT's brother-in-law.