TALBOT7122

Dear Mr Talbot

I have been in my bed ever since a few hours after I left Lincoln’s Inn, ¹ the day you were there, with an Influenza. This has prevented my being able to write to you. I assure you I feel very much regret at the turn your trial ² took; indeed I have not for long been annoyed by anything so much. But I feel that it might have been worse, and that besides taking from you the naturally ripened fruit of your discovery, they might have taken or rather stolen away the honor of having planted & reared the seed & tender plant. I expressed to Mr Bolton ³ my opinion as to the ad[v]isability of the course you have pursued, ⁴ & I cannot but think you have done both wisely & liberally; as, were you bent on annoying your opponents, you have it still in your power to do so in no small degree.

I hope you will now let your mind grow quiet on the subject. I fear it must have cost you much, not in pocket only but in time trouble & wearing anxiety, and not a little in that mistrust and bitterness against one’s fellow men, which this kind of annoying & really selfish assaults upon one are so apt to engender –

From the beginning – since I became a man – I have always looked on the Photographic idea as one of the true poet-ideas of this marvellous age – and on you as its herald and enunciator. My sympathy is of little value to you – but you will always have it.

Believe me, always Your’s very faithfully
Nevil Story-Maskelyne

Ashmolean Museum. ⁵
Monday Jan^y 22. 1855