My dear Henry
As soon as the weather cleared I made 2 copies of the little picture – the first – 15 sec. then 2d 30. – but in neither case did the sun shine throughout without interruption – I then washed & dried them – and afterwards proceeded to fix, with which I did with much anxious care, but with no sure feeling that I was doing right. – I dipped my brush into the bottle itself: was that right or ought I to have poured some out? – After waiting a few minutes & watching them with anxiety, – I dried them at the fire, but am not sure whether I ought not to have washed them first. – As soon as they became dry I put them into a basin of water, stirred them a little, took them out, dried & pressed them. – I shall be impatient to hear how my clumsy performance succeeded; for though the process is not a difficult one, it requires practice to do it well. <1> –
We have had several very heavy storms since your departure but a fine afternoon which I hope you enjoyed. –
Your affte
Constance.
Notes:
1. Is is surprising that Constance did not take a more active role in WHFT's photography, for she was an accomplished sketcher but had only a general knowledge of science. She was doing several things wrong here - for her husband's gentle correction, see see Doc. No: 04225.