Lacock Abbey,
Chippenham.
August 17

Dear Sir

Permit me to enquire whether the new volume of cuneiform inscript^ns of the British Museum has yet been published?

Yours Truly
H. F. Talbot

How is M^r Coxe? ^<1> Has he been able to resume his post in the Museum? I have been in Italy ^<2> for the last 3 or 4 months.S. Birch Esq.
B. Mus^m

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Notes:

1. William H Coxe, who was to die on 18 December 1869), Asst to Birch [see Doc. No: 09598]. Coxe had sick leave during 1868 and 1869 but he was on 2 months’ sick leave in 1868, just before WHFT went to Italy. It is possible that WHFT would have anticipated his return. In 1869 Coxe’s leave was more prolonged as his illness progressed; an extension was anticipated (and his departure from the BM discussed) before WHFT returned to Italy.

2. WHFT was in Italy in the Summers of 1868 and 1869.