Valetta.
Jan. 18.
1846.
My dear Sir,
I write a line to say that the Paper which you were so kind as to promise that you wd desire Henneman <1> to send by the Achilles which left England the 3d has not arrived.
I am aware that the Peninsular and Oriental Co (having no competitors) are most uncertain and capricious in transmitting parcels, and have no doubt that the paper is lying at their Office, waiting their good pleasure to dispatch it; and shd therefore feel much obliged if you will write them an exhortation which may induce perhaps their High Mightinesses to comply with our humble desires.
I am the more anxious to recieve [sic] this supply from my continued success in the process, which I find much more certain in its results than Daguerreotyping, <2> though so much more used to the latter.
The only thing I require is that the paper shd be thoroughly good, and sincerely trust that Henneman has been able to obtain a supply with a certainty of more.
You mistook me in imagining that I was entirely run away with by the activity of the solar agency here; I merely meant to say that it is more energetic than in England; and will give you a specimen by coming to figures which is the best way. I find on a bright day with the large Camera, one Lens and 15 inch focus (Solution 1. nit. silv. <3> 10. gallic acid [illegible] acetic acid) about 3 minutes suffice.
With the ¼ sized Camera similar to yours: on a bright day.
(Solution 2 Nitrat. silv. 3 gallic acid 1. acetic acid) about 20 seconds will do groups very well.
This latter is I think highly satisfactory as to time: and I have no doubt with less gallic acid it wd be quicker, but I have generally to wait some short time before I can arrange a group, so I add 3 parts; this however need not be done in a Photographic establishment for portraits.
I continue rather to overdo my negatives as you recommend it, though it does not add to their present beauty.
If there are any improvements or modifications in any part of the process I shall be particularly obliged if you will send them.
I am happy to say that within the last few days Lady Cs <4> cough has been much better, and she appears altogether improved in health, we pray God it may continue.
All here <5> unite in kind regards with
yours very truly
Calvert R. Jones Junr
Notes:
1. Nicolaas Henneman (1813–1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT’s valet, then assistant; photographer.
2. Jones turned to Daguerreotypy early on before being persuaded that WHFT's productions on paper, rather than on metal plates, were more suited to his style of work. Only one of his Daguerreotypes is known to have survived, a masterful view of Margam Castle.
3. Silver nitrate.
4. Lady Charlotte Butler (1809–1846), wife of ‘ Kit’ Talbot.
5. Jones’ wife Anne and Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin, his wife and their children.