Preparing biographies

I have persuaded Dr Collins [Civil Surgeon, Darjeeling], who is a photographer, to undertake the task; and I shall be glad myself to do the Letter Press required...As so many prints are required, I cannot expect Dr Collins to bear the expenses. I have therefore to rquest that the following articles be sent to me...to be paid for by Government. 80 photographic plates, glass, 9 inches by 7. 8 ounces re-chrystallized nitrate of silver. 1 dram chrloride of gold. Mr Lazarus of Calcutta is, I believe, the best person to apply to for these articles. Dr Collins will get up collodion, paper, and anything else required after the rains, and let me know the actual cost...I have further to request that Dr Collins be allowed six weeks’ leave of absence, without deduction from his salary. It is impossible he can do the photographs to the extent required and be liable to incessant professional interruptions.’^[1]

1. Λ Bengal General Proceedings, no.15 of December 1861, letter dated 16 August 1861, IOR/P/15/21.