147, Packington St,
Islington
Lond. N.
Nov 22/61
Sir,
I received your note and the print, and am greatly obliged to you for them; the print is far superior to anything I have seen of the kind, & I think there can be no doubt that it will eventually supersede engraving. I shall be much pleased to send you a drawing for trial, but should find a difficulty in making-out the detail in so small a size as you mention. A very useful size for me would be about 12 × 17 inches; or if this is too large I might use it 8 or 9 by 12. If you can work the process these sizes, I shall have great pleasure in forward <sic> a copper plate suitable with the drawing, or, if not, the size you say.
I doubt whether at first I could make a drawing on semi-transparent paper, but my idea was, to make a drawing the usual size, say 24 × 15, and reduce it by photography to whatever size I required, & in this case an inch or two either way would not matter.
I have been in the habit of publishing some of my pictures (of ships) by the aid of lithography, but should be glad to find a cheaper, quicker, & more correct method, which your process appears to be.
I could send a drawing & copper plate whatever size you decide, but should prefer the size I have stated. If you incline to try so large a size, & it should not come out so well as we wish I always have my prints coloured by hand, more or less, which would hide defects; I mean if the process is not sufficiently certain at present. Will you be kind enough to let me know if this will be practicable, & also if you can give any hint as to the effect. I fancy a bold effective, picture, with good light & shade would come out well.
If you prefer, I could send a positive on glass for trial with the copper, which might save you some trouble. Of course you are aware that if it should come out at all satisfactory, I have the idea of publishing it
I beg to remain
Yrs most obediently
Josiah Taylor
H. F. Talbot Esq