31 Sackville St <1>
15 April
Dear Sir
I send 3 Calotypes which you may like to place on your table at your next evening réunion,<2> at which I regret I shall not be able to be present, leaving Town tomorrow morning
Yours truly
H. F. Talbot
C. Babbage Esq
1 Dorset St
Manchester Square –
Notes:
1. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
2. Babbage held frequent scientific soirées for his wide circle of friends, including WHFT and his mother Lady Elisabeth Feilding. Since the calotype was public knowledge by the time of this letter, it has to be dated 1841 or later. However, on 15 April 1841, WHFT was at Lacock Abbey (see Doc. No: 04242). A date later than 1842 would have had less novelty, so this is the most likely year.