[crest of a B with an H superimposed]
96 gloucester place
Portman Sq^re London W
28 April 1866

Sir

Having understood that there is some way of transferring a photograph to a Steel plate – and also engraving the same so as to print in the ordinary way. I shall be very glad if I may so far trespass on your time to learn how and where I can obtain any information on the Subject – I also venture to enclose a portion of a photograph 4 ft in length – taken from a picture which I am having engraved Hyde Park in 1864 on a Steel plate, [illegible] line, which is both tedious and expensive. it occurred to me that if such a photograph could be transferred chemically to the Steel so as to form a good foundation to be finished by the graver – that a great advance in the Art would be made and a great Saving of time and expense effected –

I have accidentally met with an etching taken from a photograph of M^r Henry Cole which has the appearance of an acquatint but is an extremely good combination of photography and engraving I believe the invention of Paul Pretch –

Having no experience Myself in Photography I shall be greatly obliged by any information that may enable me to arrive at a Satisfactory result

I have the honor to be Sir Yours obed^y
Henry Barraud