21 Sumner Place
Brompton S.W. <1>
Jany 20. 1874. <2>
Dear Sir
I have been entrusted on the part of the family of the late Sir John Herschel, <3> my father, with the duty of collecting and arranging his letters – not however with any present view to publication. My first step in this direction having been to make application to a few of his most intimate friends and constant correspondents, the replies which I have received encourage me to hope that I may meet with an equally friendly spirit in other quarters. I venture therefore to address a similar application to you.
I regret that I am not in a position to undertake the responsibility which attaches to one who collects with a view to publish. I can however promise that transcripts taken by us shall be kept with as scrupulous regard to the nature of their subject, as though they had been [illegible deletion] taken (as was often the case) at the time of writing; and this, I trust, will appear to you a sufficient and reasonable guarantee for the use of them.
Hoping that the trouble which I am giving you in asking you to favour us with the loan of letters in your possession may not be very great, and offering you the assurance that they shall be carefully returned, as soon as practicable,
I beg to remain your obedient Servant
J Herschel Capt R.E.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Envelope:
Capt. Herschel R.E. <4>W. H. Fox Talbot
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Notes:
1. London.
2. This letter was sent on the same day and probably together with Doc. No: 03108.
3. Sir John Frederick William Herschel (1792–1871), astronomer & scientist.
4. Written in WHFT’s hand.