TALBOT9504

Bushey Heath, Herts
8^th March 1869

My Dear Sir

It is so long since our agreable [sic] correspondence ceased, and I removed from fighting the great Photographic battle by your side, that I am afraid to address this letter – as it we [sic] - a pilot balloon to discover what wind blows.

I am so deep in the sere & yellow leaf of age & jaundice that you could hardly believe I was still of this World, But I am, and if you are and hold the memory of former days, it will afford me a very great gratification to hear from you, being

My Dear Sir Ever sincerely yours
W. Jerdan

H. Fox Talbot Esq &c
&c &c &c