[The wrapper for this letter is in a private collection:]
Henry Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham

_____________

Arlington Street
Nov: 3: 1827.

Dear Talbot

There is no man whose recommendation of a Professor of Mathematics I would take sooner than your own; but the truth is that as I have not leisure to balance the pretensions of the several candidates, I abstain upon principle from interfering in the elections of the London University.

Brougham ^<1> who has knowledge for every thing, and time for everything, of course takes an important part in them and if you have not done so already, I should advise you to apply to him in favor of M^r Key, ^<2> who – whatever the merits of his competitors may be – seems perfectly fit for the situation

Your’s [sic] sincerely

Dudley

Henry Talbot Esq

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Notes:

1. Henry Peter Brougham, Baron of Brougham & Voux (1778–1868), Lord Chancellor.

2. Thomas Hewitt Key (179–1875), philologist. Key was not elected to the professorship in mathematics, but took up teaching in Latin instead; it is this scholarship, not the mathematical, for which he is known.