Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   23 September 1816

R.I. Sept. 23d. 1816

Dear Abbott

I am obliged to excuse myself for tomorrow evening[.] I confess myself guilty of the highest breach of manners in doing so since it arises entirely from my negligence[.] But I will state to you the circumstances[.] I had promised my assistance to Mr. Cocking¹ in every thing that I could do to help him in the two Lectures he had to give us this quarter and I kept my word with respect to his first delivered last Wednesday week. he has lately called on me for similar aid in the next to be given on Wednesday and I am in consequence necessitated to be with him at Dorset St tomorrow evening to arrange[.] This circumstance I had entirely forgotten when I arranged with you and have thus rendered myself culpable but I hope you will forgive me by consenting to come some other evening as soon as convenient[.] It happens that this week I have no other evening but on Friday at liberty on which if you will come I shall be happy[.] If not choose your own next week (excepting Wednesday & Sat) and let me know as soon as you can.

Whilst in the City I heard a curious charge from Mr. Gray made by you against me I suppose in joke but given by him with so serious a face that I was tempted to explain a thing I rarely do to those who have no connection (necessarily) with my affairs - The charge was that I deserted old friends for new ones - Supposing that you intended this seriously which I do not think you did I shall take the opportunity to explain to you how my time is generally occupied[.] The duties of my situation (which is no sinecure) necessarily confine the time which I can dispose to the evenings of these Wednesday belongs to the Society Saturday to Weymouth St generally; Monday & Thursday come into a system of instruction & may be considered as school evenings which however I at times do though unwillingly break into Tuesday & Friday I find little more than sufficient to do my own business in so that you will perceive I have not much to spare[.] Business is the first thing to which I am not only tied by necessity but by honor[.] Pleasure is the last and then again there is an intermediate part verging on both to which I consider it a duty to attend I mean the Society[.] After my work I attend to that then to my own affairs & then to my friends[.] This long explanation however looks so serious that I would cut it shorter if I had time for I am confident it must be unnecessary but being here as it helps fill up I will leave it - I shall hope to see you on Friday if not You will let me know and when you come

I am as always | Yours sincerely | M. Faraday

Excuse the haste

<r>Address: Mr. B. Abbott | Long Lane | Bermondsey