122 Regent S^{t <1>}
17^th Feb^y 1849

To H F Talbot Esq

Sir

The death of my sister rendered it necessary that I should remain in the “Country” longer than I intended.

Not finding anything which required an immediate answer I delayed writing until I had leisure

M^r Ronalds ^<2> of Kew has been with me in the evening experimenting for his registration plan

I see clearly that Harrison’^s letter is calculated to mislead He intimates (did intimate) to us that he is required to stay at Kensington for a special object, & that he cannot leave without your permission; not even if a situation were offered him.

We believed his statement to be reasonable; not knowing that he had written such a letter to you.

How could anyone expect to find such want of – I scarcely know what word to use as I am slow to impute motives for conduct. I must ask an explanation before judging. –

It is unfortunate that circumstances prevented your answering my letter of last summer, immediately. –

Still I admit that Harrison is not yet clear of the charge brought against him. I cannot yet see that we were wanting in caution as we could not get an answer from you. I think we were mislead [sic]. I fear there will be some difficulty in making Harrison refund any of the money he has received.

The experiment at the Royal Institution succeeded so well that the Rev Mr Barlow ^<3> complimented me thereon. –

The fact is mentioned in the Athenæum as well as in the Literary Gazette.

At the Pharmaceutical Society I succeeded: using the Electrical light

I remain Sir your most obed^t Serv^t
T A Malone

Harrison has promised to tell us when he wishes to leave Kensington.

[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

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Notes:

1. The London address of the Sun Picture Rooms, proprietor, Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.

2. Sir Francis Ronalds (1788–1873), pioneer of electric telegraphy, Director of the Meteorological Observatory at Kew, who applied photography to the continuous registration of meteorological instruments.

3. Revd John Barlow (1798–1869), Secretary of the Royal Institution, London.