Below is an approximate transcription. Note that it is a partial letter, with great content. Needless to say, William Henry Fox Talbot was an early pioneer and remains one of the most important figures in the history of photography. The significance of Lacock Abbey can't be overstated.

(Addressed to:)
"C. Fellows Esq -
30 Rupell Square
London

""Lacock Abbey, Chippenham11
April 1843

Dear Sir

I wish I had seen you again the last time I was in Town, as I wished to make some inquiries concerning your new expedition to Asia Minor of which I have heard a very imperfect rumour as yet, but I understand that it is to be under your sole direction, + that you will take with you a number of artists, draughtsmen + c. + c. That being the case, it has occurred to me that it would be a very desirable thing to have a series of Calotype views taken in Lycia, and should the idea meet with your appreciation I have no doubt that it might be easily done and would prove eminently successful - I have really improved the invention since I formerly showed you some imperfect specimens - at present they can be obtained equal to finished drawings or engravings in effect, but for excelling them in accuracy since every minute detail is represented which is seen in the object itself. The time occupied in obtaining each picture is a minute or two, + no more but from each of these pictures a large number of facsimile copies can be made, at any subsequent period. Nothing excels the photographic method in its power of delineating such objects as from your researches, as ruins, statues, bas reliefs + c. and I should think it would be highly interesting to take a view of each remnant of antiquity before removing it, + while it still remains in situ + surrounded with stones + bushes + all the other accompaniments of a wild nature. The art may be required in a"

This item requires extra care, so special packing fees apply. See the shipping terms for details.

NO RESERVE

Please see scans for condition.