TALBOT4550

29 Somerset Street. ¹
July 20. 1842.

Dear Sir

Of the two parties whom I mentioned ² one wishes to know “if a license ³ is to be purchased at a moderate price to be used in Falmouth and its neighbourhood” – & the other “if licenses are for disposal for some of the provincial Towns”: – they both write in consequence of seeing my advertisements – I am quite willing to enter on the business with these two persons at the rate I mentioned, if you will inform me of your terms, so that I may give decided answers to them, but I have had so much trouble in learning, that I am not disposed to undertake the trouble of teaching at a less rate than that which I have agreed to pay. –

I have a lens of Davidson’s ⁴ but it is of too long a focus to be useful for portraiture, and is moreover extremely green, which I cannot but think must very much diminish the photographic effect. – I think you mentioned having ordered a Camera or Lens when on the continent, I shall be obliged if you will tell me, where at, & who of, also if you would take the trouble to describe the arrangement which you have yourself made, as I should be very glad to imitate it, if productive of any (the least) improvement. –

I remain Dear Sir Yours very truly
Henry Collen

Henry Fox Talbot Esq
F.R.S. &c &c
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.