Chippenham <1>
20th August 1836
Sir
May I take the liberty of asking a favour of you, presuming that you will attend the meeting of the British Association of Science at Bristol at their meeting next week. –
It is my Intention, if I am permitted to do so, to lay before the Mechanical Section of the Meeting, a plan with some account of a machine for boring great depths into the Earth; probably greater than any that has hitherto been attempted. –
I am desirous of becoming a member of the Association if I may be admitted. –
I am quite a stranger to nearly all the scientific world, that will be there assembled; what I have to beg of you, is, that if any Notice be necessary to be given to the Section that would receive my account, that you will be pleased to give it for me. I intend to be in Bristol next Tuesday, and I hope to receive your kind support.
I remain Sir,
Respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
John Provis.
W Henry Fox Talbot. Esqre
Royal Hotel. –
Clifton.
Bristol.
Post paid.
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.