TALBOT5162

Laycock Abbey
22^d Jan^y

My Dear Henry

Is the 2^d N^{o 1} actually out? or have you only had it for private inspection – I wish you would allot a certain sum for advertisements, & do it yourself not trusting to Longman ² whose agents cheat in that matter perhaps without his knowing it. There must be an indicible ³ virtue in advertising or everybody would not incur so great an expence. Books are advertised new & then I see that have out [sic] these 3 years. Many works would never have been heard of in any other way, and the great thing for this Art (& still more for the Discoverer) is to have it known. The mug.⁴ is returned & I begin again to wish I was transported to Brighton on some Ippogriffe.⁵ This Wedding ⁶ puts me out sadly, & I fear that by the time it takes place the Season will be too much advanced for the Sea Side – Ma pazienza – nous verrons. ⁷

Did you visit Reading chemin faisant? ⁸ Pray let me see the plates for N^o 3 before they are irremediable

[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esq^r
31. Sackville Street
London