38 Darlington Street
Greenhays
Manchester Feb: 4 1852
Sir/
In a November number of the Atheneum I have just read the description of your new process for taking pictures on albumen instead of paper, which promises a much more beautiful definition than by your first method, and which you will perhaps remember some years ago I purchased from you the right to use in Manchester.<1> I am sorry to say that it has been of no service to me in a pecuniary point of view; in fact I have never received from the use of it one third the cost of my apparatus, the causes of which were, the want of definition, another length of time required to take a portrait; both of which difficulties seem to be obviated by your new method
My object in troubling you with this is to request that, in consideration of my loss both in time and money – and what to me has been a serious affair, you will permit me to use your new process for taking Portraits.
I am perfectly ready to admit that I have no claim upon you for this favour, and it is only on the above ground that I make the request –
I am Sir Very obedtly Yours
Thomas Wyatt
H F Talbot Esqre
[envelope:]
H F Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
nr Chippenham
Wilts
Notes:
1. See Doc. No: 05229.