TALBOT8536

14 Abercromby Place
29 March 1862

My dear Sir

A Jury of Photography on a great National or rather International occasion without Your name in it would be to Every one like the play of Hamlet with the Part of Hamlet omitted. ¹

It is quite compatible with the Rules that you may be a Juror & an Exhibitor, only by becoming a Juror You cease to be a Competitor for a Medal.²

But as there is no Great Medal on this occasion & only Prize Medals which for reasons of public policy will be numerous & given freely, this self-denial of a Juror has not much importance.

I think the Public would be much satisfied if you consented to be a Juror. You will have Efficient Colleagues both British & Foreign

General Sabine the President of the Royal Society ³ & Most of the Active Members have become Jurors.

I therefore venture to press upon you to take office, as in so doing I am only fulfilling a public duty.

I hope that Tuesdays Post may bring me an Affirmative Reply.

Yours Sincerely
Lyon Playfair

[envelope:]
H. Fox Talbot Esq^r. F.R.S.
Millburn Tower
near Edinburgh
[lower left recto:]
Lyon Playfair