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Document number: 6910
Date: 03 Feb 1854
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: PETTY Walter
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Collection number: envelope 20793
Collection number historic: LA54-6
Last updated: 16th February 2012

4 Harries St. Strangeways
Manchester
Feby 3d 1854

Dear Sir,

It is now nearly twelve Months since I wrote to you respecting your Patent right for taking Portraits on paper in Manchester, at which period from pecuniary circumstances owing to illness I could not entertain your claim. Since that time I have been struggling with miniature painting, but I am sorry to say with little success owing to your beautiful invention superceding [sic] it so much. –

The purport of my communication to you now is, to know if you will so far favor me by granting me the privilege to practise it for a few months in order that I may get a suitable Gallery built and make the same known by advertising &c after which period I hope I shall be enabled to remit you your claim.

If the above proposal should meet with your approbation, an answer at your earliest convenience will be esteemed a favor, and stating at what month forward I may have your permission to.

I am Sir Your most obedt Servt
Walter Petty

To:
H. Fox Talbot Esqre

[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.