[monogram, poss. R A S - Royal Asiatic Soc]
I enclose you a page of poliphones – they are but a portion of the scaffolding, as you aptly illustrate them, to be knocked away as the building progresses. – I have had, however, authority for every one of them, Rawlinsons authority, inasmuch as they have been collected from his various phonetic readings which have from time to time fallen under my hands; – especially the 1st & Second Column of the Tiglath Pileser Cylinders. – I have never had the opportunity of looking at Hinckes readings, – which would probably supply many, – if however amongst them any should be found that may be of service to you I shall be gratified. –
I enclose you also paper casts from the fragment of the Tablet of which you have my copy, in order that you may judge how far it is correct: I believe it is sufficiently perfect for the purpose. I find however amongst my list of determinatives, that
I have not yet had an opportunity of speaking to Sir H. about the impressions of the 4 printed Sheets of the new volume – he is & I believe will be for some time out of town, but I have spoken to Mr Norris who informs me that Dr Hinckes was peremptorily refused the same request, and he thinks that my application will meet with no better success. – I cannot conceive what possible objection he can have to it. – I will however let you know the result. –
I remain Sir Yr very obedient Servant
R. E. Bowler
8 York Terrace
St Johns Wood
27th April 1862
[on new sheet of monogrammed paper. list of cuneiform words/syllables with transliterations]
[envelope
H: F: Talbot Esqr
Millburn Tower<1>
Edinburgh
Notes:
1. Millburn Tower, Gogar, just west of Edinburgh; the Talbot family made it their northern home from June 1861 to November 1863. It is particularly important because WHFT conducted many of his photoglyphic engraving experiments there. The house had a rich history. Built for Sir Robert Liston (1742-1836), an 1805 design by Benjamin Latrobe for a round building was contemplated but in 1806 a small house was built to the design of William Atkinson (1773-1839), best known for Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford. The distinctive Gothic exterior was raised in 1815 and an additional extension built in 1821. Liston had been ambassador to the United States and maintained a warm Anglo-American relationship in the years 1796-1800. His wife, the botanist Henrietta Liston, née Marchant (1751-1828) designed a lavish American garden, sadly largely gone by the time the Talbots rented the house .