Faraday to Margaret Faraday   27 June 1817

Barnstaple: June 27, 1817.

Dear Mother, - I seize a spare moment to write you from this place, where we arrived a few hours since, having had a pleasant walk and ride from South Moulton¹.

I am sure that the interest you feel in me will make you desirous of knowing how my health stands, and I have much pleasure in telling you that in that respect I am improved in every way. My strength is greatly increased, all my scars have disappeared; I am growing quite merry, and am in every way far superior to what I was.

I trust that you also are well, with M[argaret], and all the rest of our friends; and further, I hope I shall find the affairs of the house well and comfortably arranged.

I have seen a great deal of country life since I left town, and am highly pleased with it, though I should by no means be contented to live away from town. I have been at sheep-shearing, merry-making, junketings, &c., and was never more merry; and I must say of the country people (of Devonshire, at least) thatthey are the most hospitable I could imagine. I have seen all your processes of thrashing, winnowing, cheese and butter making, and think I could even now give you some instructions; but all I have to say to you on these subjects shall be said verbally.

We are just now moving a little about the country, and I find myself much interested by what I meet with. It would not, however, afford you the same pleasure, for to talk of wavellite, hydrargellite, and such hard things, would be out of the question when the question was to you².

Respecting our return, we mean to be home somewhere about the beginning of July, but it is more likely to happen after the beginning than before, perhaps about Sunday week, but I cannot say to a day.

I wrote to Magrath a few days since, and suppose you have heard through Mr. G. from him. Remember me to R[obert], B., M[argaret] (to whom I promised to write), and all friends.

I am, dear Mother, your affectionate son, | M. Faraday