[Although Capt. Scott hopefully marked his envelope 'Immediate', it is blanketed with postmarks, running at least through 7 January.]

7 Molesworth Terrace
Stoke – Devonport
Jan^y 2^nd 1854

Dear Sir

As President of the Society, I have been requested to write & personally solicit the attendance of the Founder of the “Photographic” Art – assuring you that it will give the Members (now nearly 100) of the recently established Devon & Cornwall Soc^y great pleasure to have an opportunity of shewing attention to & hearing one to whom experimental Chemistry – is so much indebted as yourself – I say experimental Chemistry – for your name is so closely bound up with every step in Photography – that were we not reminded by the “Talbotype” – we could not fail to render every respect to the scientific improver of an Art – that already has done so much for the Engraver, Engineer Architect &c –

Trusting to have the great pleasure of seeing you at our inaugural Meeting

I am dear sir yours faithfully

Robt A E Scott
Captⁿ Ret.

P.S. I venture to mention that a Line of battle ships will be (&c.) launched on the 26^th from Plym^h Dock Yard – as the Launch may interest you –

[envelope]
Immediate
The Honble. Fox Talbot Esq.
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts
Greta Bank
Keswick
Cumberland