64 Margaret Street
Cavendish Sq 22d March
1852
Sir
I beg leave to acknowledge the favor of your letter 19th inst. & to mention, that my views respecting the Callodion [sic] or Talbotype mode – are by no means relating to what may be termed the mechanical part of the process, but simply to this, viz. to try to overcome the errors or defects in perspective – the Chaero[sic]-Oscuro- Arrangement of the background, & (what is of more consequence) to try whether the eyes could be made to look clear & intelligent, & a happier light & shade adopted, so as to give a more elevated expression to the countenance.
My Wife, by profession being a Miniature painter, I have for years past availled [sic] myself of her assistance in taking sittings upon Engravings, so as to render the resemblance much more successful from the original paintings; whither <[sic] something similar could be done with Callodion [sic]&c I cannot tell. But it is to ascertain practically if such things can be done, that leads me to wish to possess a Licence from you in the hopes I might bring them to bear with advantage upon my profession; & were I able to do so, I would be ready to allow five percent upon the profits I might derive therefrom.
If it were possible to touch with facility upon the Positive picture, or to colour it fully to the force of a miniature, I should consider this an advantageous circumstance, & which would encourage me to expect the ends I have referred to might be accomplished; but if not I should then most likely try what the [illegible] known results of the Dguerrotype [sic] process would yield.
I hope I have now been sufficiently explicit as to satisfy you as to the intended results I wish to obtain & that the proposed five per cent upon the profits I might derive thereupon will meet your approbation for granting me a Licence.
I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient humble servant
William Walker
H. Fox Talbot Esq