TALBOT4391

31 Sackville S^{t 1}
London
Dec^r 1841

Sir

With respect to the photographs you have sent me, ² N^o 1 is not the fault of the paper but the sensitive surface of gallo-nitrate of silver ³ has been partially removed by immersing it in water too soon. N^o 2 is not well fixed, ⁴ being partly changed already. N^o 3 seems done on right principles – The paper you mention, “Whatman” ⁵ is the best, it is good enough for all ordinary purposes – The pictures generally come out perfectly well on it, & the failures are rare. I enclose a portrait ⁶ not however one of my own doing. I am unable to give any other directions for success in this art than to follow exactly the directions contained in my specification which you will find printed in the N^o for September last of the Repertory ⁷ of patent inventions. You are of course aware that I have taken out a patent ⁸ for this process; however I do not wish it to interfere with amateurs practising the art for their own amusement.

I am Sir Yours truly
H. F. Talbot

Mr W. Thompson
At Mr Hitchman’s
Broad Row
Yarmouth
Norfolk