Mr Panizzi
[receiving stamp with number added in ink:] British Museum 8 Oct. 1860 No. 8278.
[added in another hand:] C. 27 Oct.
[added in another hand:] 18
[added in another hand:] P
Lacock Abbey Chippenham
Oct. 6 / 60
Dr Sir
As I have paid considerable attention to the Assyrian cuneiform inscriptions and my memoirs have been published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, and as I understand there are a great number of unpublished inscriptions and fragments of others in the Museum sufficient to occupy the attention of investigators during several years, I beg to offer my services in deciphering some of them, occasionally when I am in Town, and as may be found convenient.
If you approve of this, will you have the kindness to give me the necessary authorization- <1>
I remain Dr Sir Yours very truly
H. Fox Talbot
Notes:
1. In the Trustees minutes of 27 October, they recorded that they "Read letters dated the 6th and 15th (Doc. No: 10072) inst. from Mr. Fox Talbot, offering his services in deciphering occasionally, some of the Assyrian Cuneiform Inscriptions." On 31 October, Panizzi informed WHFT about their positive decision - see Doc. No: 08233.