Hallette’s Atmospheric Railway
and Canal Propulsion Company
Winchester House, 52, Old Broad St^t

9^th January 1846

Sir

My Son in Law M^r Walter Prideaux has commissioned me to apologize for him in having omitted to reply to your Note of the 12^th Nov^r. We have all been very much occupied in the formation of this Company which was only yesterday Incorporated under the Seal & Certificate of the Registrar General.

In concert with the Inventor I am charged with all the details in the Engineering department, and am now engaged in constructing 150 yards of Railway in order to exhibit a Model of Monsieur Hallette’s invention, on a scale 2/5^th of the full size.

I have every reason to believe that we shall be prepared to make our first trial about the beginning of next Month, and if you will honor us with a visit I shall be most happy to attend you, and give all the information in my power.

I have the honor to be, Sir,Your most obed^t humble Serv^t,
S Williams
[illegible] Engineer, and Engineer to the Company.

H. Fox Talbot
&c. &c. &c.

[envelope:]
The Honble Fox Talbot
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
[annotated by WHFT:]
L^t Col William s