[printed notepaper:]
Royal Observatory
1 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh
26 Feburary 1863
My dear Sir,
Touching the true position of the Russian photographs, they are seen truly as regards at right and left, when looked at with the varnished side towards you. The labels where originally attempted to be fastened on that side, but broke away both the varnish & collodion film, & were therefore finally attached to the back of each glass.
Yours very truly
C. Piazzi Smyth
H. Fox Talbot Esqr
[envelope, imprinted on recto "Royal Observatory, Edinburgh":]
H. Fox Talbot Esqre F.R.S.
11 Gt. Stuart Street
Edinburgh