15, Edith Villas
North End, S.W.
Dec 1/73.
Dear Sir,
I propose taking advantage of Mr Geo Smiths<1> return to Mosul, and the facilities which will be afforded me before the expiration of the Firman in Ap. 1874, to make a series of photographs, not only of the mounds & excavations at Kouyunjik, Khorsabad, & Nimroud, but also of the “Scenery of the Tigris,” historic sites, etc, etc,– in short to do for Assyria what has already been done by the Valley of the Nile & the Holy Land.
I propose making 2 large Vols of 100 plates price £25 to Subscribers. I propose also confining the work to Subscribers, printing them only for private circulation, as, from the great cost which must be incurred, it will only be proceeded with on obtaining a sufficient number of gentlemen who will undertake to have copies.
I believe I shall be able to produce a work of surpassing interest.<2> May I consider that you will take a copy? Can you also kindly suggest, or use your influence with others?
I remain, dear Sir Yours obedtly
S. Thompson
H. Fox Talbot Esq.
[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Nr Chippenham
Wilts.
Notes:
1. George Smith (1840–1876), Assyriologist.
2. The work appears not to have been published.