Ashelworth ^<1> n^r Gloucester
8 Dec^r 1845

My dear Sir

I have much pleasure in acceding the request of M^r Bowerbank^<2> who is about, I believe, to be the Clergyman of y^r Parish that I would give him a letter of introduction to you - I am most favourably impressed with the character of this gentleman, from all I have heard of him, from a mutual friend of his & mine - as also, from our Bishop, who has nominated him to the Cure.

M^r Bowerbank will be the Bearer of this, & I rather think will be accompanied by the "mutual friend" I allude to - Mr Bridges,^<3> our late Clergyman at Maisemore & an especial friend (I name this as a "pass-port" better than my own) of y^r nephew Valletort-^<4>

Mr Bridges is proceeding to the East, & is much interested in the Photographic Art -

My in-augural Address went off to the satisfaction, I believe of the Hearers & I endeavoured, in my mention of the Art, w^h I embodied in my Address, to do honour to the "Inventor" -

I beg to remain My dear Sir Yrs very faithfully
HAS Atwood

PS. I beg to acknowledge & thank you for y^r letter

[address panel:]
Fox Talbot Esq^re

Notes:

1. or Ashleworth.

2. Rev Lewis Bowerbank (1782-1853), curate of St Cyriac's, Lacock ,1846-1847; former Rector of St Catherines, Jamaica, 1823-1843; friend of Rev George Bridges.

3. Rev George Wilson Bridges (1788-1863), photographer & traveller.

4. WHFT's nephew was William Henry Edgcumbe, 4^th Earl Mt Edgcumbe (1832-1917); 'Val', 'Bimbo'; JP & Lord Steward of the Royal Household. Given the age difference, perhaps Atwood meant his father, Ernest Augustus Edgcumbe, Lord Valletort, 3^rd Earl of Mt Edgcumbe (1797-1861), WHFT's brother-in-law.