Sir,

I am desired by the Committee of the Chippenham Literary & Scientific Institution,^<1> to acknowledge your donation to the Institution of the 1^st Ins. of this West of England Journal of Science &c – I have also to express to you their gratification, on learning the probability of your honoring the Members of the Institution by delivering a Course of Lectures on Chemistry; they beg to request you will do so – and assure you they anticipate much pleasure & profit in the delivery of such a Course. The Room at the New Hall it is expected will be completed by May –

The Committee last Evening (M^r Provis, Chairman) ^<2> ordered the West of England Journal &c – to be continued as one the [sic] Periodicals for the use of the Institution.

Thanking you for the interest you have always manifested for the welfare of the Institution,

I have the honor to remain, Sir, Your obed^t Humble Serv^t
H Head Alexander
Hon^y Secretary

Chippenham
May 6^th 1835

W.H.F. Talbot
Lacock Abbey
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London

---

Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. John Provis, geologist, Chippenham.