Gerard St
August 19 1854

Sir

The plates certainly were in a bad state and no doubt the rust was in the way of a good proof because the printer had to prevent all defects from shewing and he very likely did more than he intended in that direction I speak from memory but think the lace was faint. however [sic] you have comparative proofs with and without the corosions [sic] shewn

In any remarks I may have made it was by no means my intention “to go back” upon failures but rather to induce a correct view of the right path for the future

On looking at the figures of the equestrian statue of Napoleon again today – it seems a pity that some practical individual does not try his hand at it. I mean an engraver not a photographer or painter had I more time or less demands upon me I or had made less sacrifices for other novelties, you would have been enabled to criticise my production ere this, observations that would have been listened to with pleasure provided they conduced to a more speedy arrival at perfection I fear you mistook me & took mine as more captious than beneficially intended

Most Respectfully Yr Obt St
Geo Barclay

H. Fox Talbot Esqr