[engraved letterhead]
Copper & Steel Plate Printing Office, 78, Margaret St. Cavendish S^qre W.
Nov^r 9 1858.

Dear Sir

I have just called upon M^r Brooker – they are working hard at it and turning out beautiful impressions: there is no doubt of being able to get the required number done in time provided the plates last. Some of the coppers are already worn out and others showing signs of soon failing to give good impressions but the steel plates are lasting very well. As it would however be unsafe to rely entirely upon a limited number of steels when there are other good ones in the house, I have thought it best to send you a proof (inferiour [sic] one) taken off in a hurry of an excellent steel plate and begging you, if you have no objection, to send the title of the subject to M^r Brooker at once. (A Telegram would be the best but an answer by return of post will not be too late) so that in case of accident there will be a good plate to fall back upon –

Very truly yours in haste
William Crookes.

H. F. Talbot Esq^re

[envelope:]
immediate
H. F. Talbot Esq^r
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.