London. 28 Old Bond St.
Dec. 28. 1858
Sir,
As a practical Photographer of some sixteen years experience permit me to state that I feel deeply interested in your new process of Engraving; – so much so indeed, that I take the liberty of soliciting the favor of an early interview, when I should probably learn from you at once whether there was any way in which I might act as your Agent, or assist in bringing the matter before the Public.
I take this liberty opportunity of remarking that about 2 years since I was very successful in the Application of Photography to Wood fr the purposes of Engraving, but although I have done something considerable in this way & supplied one Periodical with illustrations fr six consecutive months,<1> the difficulties I have met with from engravers are such as to induce me to seek to engrave Photographs in some other way.
Your process if it can be carried out on a large scale appears to be the very thing we want, & if you will favor me with a line stating where it might be convenient fr me to see you, I need scarcely say you will confer a favor on Sir –
Yr mo. ob. Srt
Thos Sharp
H. F. Talbot Esqe
Notes:
1. This periodical has yet to be identified and it is unknown whether Sharp was credited for these pioneering woodcuts or not.