Lacock Feb 23. 1857

D^r Sir

Having more maturely considered the subject, I am of opinion that such a question as the establishment of a new professorship at Cambridge can only be originated by a resident member of the Senate, and as I have ceased to be resident for many years I consider that I am not a proper person to move in the matter.

Moreover I cannot call to mind that Cambridge in my time ever elected to a Professorship any but a Cambridge man. Oxford has done so, I am aware.

The new reading “Pul”, which you say Rawlinson now attributes to the King, instead of “Adrammelech” is quite as difficult to reconcile with the Cuneiform signs –

I have never met with the name of Shalmanezer on the monuments but if I understand Rawlinson rightly he has found such a name on them. I consider Shalmanezer to be the same as Sargon: if not, I cannot understand the Chronology of those times.

Believe me,

Dear Sir

Yours very truly

H. F. Talbot.

Rev^d D^r Hincks