Dear Mr Talbot,
The Senatus of our University <1> resolved to confer upon you the degree of Doctor of Laws <2> at their Annual meeting for conferring Degrees in Arts which is held on the 21st of next month <3> in the Victoria or Assembly Hall Castle Hill, at 12 o'clock.
I hope it will not be inconvenient for you to attend the meeting. It is a simple ceremony in which the Graduate has nothing to say.
I will meet you at any place and time you may appoint, and conduct you to the Hall.
I am, Dear Mr Talbot,
Ever Most Truly yrs
D Brewster
Mount Lodge <4>
Portobello
[envelope, flap embossed University of Edinburgh:]
Henry Fox Talbot Esq
11 Great Stuart Street
Edinr.
Notes:
1. The Senate of the University of Edinburgh.
2. A prestigious honorary degree.
3. The ceremony in fact took place on 1 April 1863, possibly in order to suit the principal honorary graduand, Lord Palmerston, the Prime Minister.
4. See Doc. No: 08498.