<engraved letterhead/address and marginal publicity material>
The Photographic News.
Office, La Belle Sauvage Yard,
Ludgate Hill, E.C.
London
20 Mornington Road
August 19. 1859.
Dear Sir
Messrs Petter & Galpin wish me to write in answer to your favour of the 17th. They are desirous to give as good specimens of the new art as possible under the circumstances and will be pleased to carry out your idea of giving away a specimen of a photoglyphed line engraving or similar subject (I think a page of “The Times”, reduced to a small size would be liked as much as anything); and doubtless such a thing would show a greater advance in the art than the Tuileries. They and myself are most desirous to consult your wishes in everything that is done in the matter but at the same time they cannot but think that the advantages which would be derived from the issue of the Tuileries as contemplated would more than counterbalance the disadvantages. They admit that it is not so perfect a specimen of your art as might be produced but you must remember that the only specimens which the public have seen are those issued with the P.N. some time ago, and the present plate being undoubtedly far superior to any then issued cannot fail to give satisfaction and to show a very marked improvement whilst the third issue (line engraving or similar subject) may be presented at a future time and will show a still greater increase towards perfection.
There is another reason for Messrs P & G to issue the Tuileries with the first Number of the new volume, which however they would be better able to urge than myself: that is that in all serial publications a great many subscribers usually drop off at the end of each volume unless there is some temptation offered them to commence the next volume and then they keep on and of course many new subscribers are at the same time added<.> They therefore feel that there would be a far greater chance of their being reimbursed some of the expense which will attend such an issue, if it takes place with the first number of the new volume than if it is presented at any other time.
Believe me truly yours
William Crookes.
H. F. Talbot Esqre