3, Guildford Place, Russel Square
W.C. London
June 1st 1861
Sir,
I have been informed by Mr. Hogarth <1> that you intend to postpone the conclusion and settlement of our affairs till your return from the Continent. I must confess that this would be too much for my means which are now utterly exhausted; - the transactions with yourself and Mr. Hogarth have been carried out since february (four months), and before that time since several years I have been living on my own resources, but which are now perfectly exhausted, and at an end without any hopes of being renewed. I do not suppose that it is your intention, to torture me; - I think I have not deserved such degrading pains for my hard labour and unceasing skillfull work.
I have therefore to request most urgently the favour of you, that you may make your decision at once, whatever it may be. - Last Friday night has been forwarded to you the draft draught of the indenture <2> with suggestions for your approval. I beg therefore to send your reply to this as soon as possible, and I rely at least in this instance on your reasonableness and impartial kindness.
I enclose the impressions of two blocks which I have latterly finished. Both of them are absolutely untouched by the graver.
Expecting very soon your kind reply, permit me to remain Sir Your very obedt. Servt
Paul Pretsch
W. H. Fox Talbot Esq.
Notes:
1. Joseph Hogarth (b. 1802), London printseller.
2. There had been a proposal that Talbot should join Pretsch, Hogarth and others in a company to be set up to exploit photographic engraving [see Doc. No: 08340]. Talbot declined, but the others intended to go ahead with the company, taking out a licence to use Talbot's process.