TALBOT5804

Paris
Dec. 15 1846

Dear Sir

I received this evening your note of Dec 11, ¹ and regret exceedingly the determination you have come to, as it seems like putting an end at once to our association. It would be the height of folly in me to invest so much money in the purchase of a patent, ² of the details of which I know nothing, and of which consequently it is impossible for me to form any idea of the value.

The ground on which you base you refusal to make me acquainted with these details is that you cannot enter a caveat in America. This would seem to imply that you doubt my integrity in the matter, and if such be your meaning after the letters ³ I had the honor to bring you from M^r Haight and M^r Gliddon,⁴ I could not in justice to those gentlemen, do otherwise than retire at once from the negociation. As however it may all have arisen from an excess of caution on your part without any intention to impugn my motives, I send you herewith the letter ⁵ which M^r Haight requested me to bear to you in person, trusting that it will do away with all difficulties.

I should be well pleased to introduce your invention to the American public, but I am not willing to make a speculation of it; and if any arrangement is effected between us, it must be such an one, as that, while each party receives his just share of the proceeds, neither shall be subjected to the risk of loss.

I will await your answer in Paris, merely remarking in conclusion, that whatever business is transacted between us, must be as between men who have confidence in each other. On no other basis am I willing to act.

With sincere wishes for your continued health and prosperity

I remain, sir, Your Ob^t Serv^t
E. Anthony

H. Fox Talbot Esq

[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
England