23, Red Lion Street
Whitechapel
7th Decr 1842
Respected Sir
Not having heard from you for so long a time – you will, I trust, excuse my addressing you respecting the last Electro-Magnetic Engine that I made for you – the Manufacture of which I need not tell you, cost many pounds, independent of my own labour – expecting, as usual to have ere this, received the money for it – and, relying on this to enable me to meet demands for which I am now much pressed – When I deliver’d the Engine at your House in Sackville Street <1> – you were – pleased to express your perfect satisfaction at its working-capabillities [sic] and appearance as fully agreeing with the terms on which it was made namely – “If it worked” – As regards your observation – “that I had not shown you any part nor consulted you until finished” – you may remember, that when experimenting at your House – you desired me to get on with the machine as quick as possible nor did you then or at any other time, order me to show the work or consult you respecting it – Any alterations that you may think proper to require and may be pleased to order – I shall be most happy to make – at a less expense, in a better manner and more to the purpose than any other person – I beg pardon, but, are you aware that there is a Mr Davidson <2> who has an Electro Magnetic Exhibition at the Egyptian Hall in the Strand? – Should it not be your intention to be in Town just yet – May I ask that you will oblige me with twenty pounds on Account. Your kindly noticing this as early as convenient, will be esteem’d a favour by
Respected Sir your very obet Servant
W. T. Henley
H. F. Talbot Esqre
H. F. Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey
near Chippenham
Wilts
Paid
Notes:
1. 31 Sackville Street, London residence of the Feildings, often used as a London base by WHFT.
2. Robert Davidson, Scottish electrical inventor. [See Doc. No: 04696].