Belle vue – Hastings. –
26th February 1859.
Sir
Wishing to make enquiries respecting your recent invention called Photoglyphic Engraving, I am induced to trouble you with this letter, as I am unacquainted with anyone practising the art. My object is to assist a worthy young man of this place who has executed an admirable specimen of penmanship, which he is desirous of publishing with perfect and faithful copies, by means of photography. Permanency is however so very desirable that silver printing is too uncertain, and its colour unsatisfactory for this purpose; but as the faithful definition of photography is essential, I imagine your admirable invention to combine all the essential requirements, and I am anxious to learn how they are to be made available in this matter. Will you therefore kindly inform me how I am to ascertain the practicability of this idea, and the probable cost of each impression, about 20 inches by 14 inches, (the original being 40x27 in:) supposing two hundred or more copies necessary.
I am Sir Your obedt Servt
John Rayner Hovell