TALBOT3934

Birmingham
Sept 17^th 1839

Sir,

I have just received your letter – & it will afford me much pleasure to supply you with the copper plates plated with Silver¹ I can send them in a day or two but you do not say the thickness you require the plates – I send you enclosed under the seal of this letter a piece of metal please say if they should be thicker or thinner than this piece of metal –² the expense will be very trifling when finished I should think not more than 2/– to 2/6 each perhaps less – however I will sell[?] them for you at a very trifle more than the cost with respect to the speculums for reflecting Telescopes³ I have Cast several very good ones after various experiments – I assure you the operation is somewhat tedious & uncertain but I now think if they can be done I can do them – if you can give me any information as to the best mode of building the best Kind of speculum I should be very glad – or if you require me or a large one I should better to try the experiment for you – assuring you that at any time I can be of the least service to you here I shall be very glad – & I hope you will not scruple to send to me. as soon as I hear from you I will put the plate in hand

I am yours very respectfully
GR Collis

H. F. Talbot Esq