Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   27 February 1818

Royal Institution | Friday Feby. 27th, 1817 [sic]

Dear Ben

I was extremely shocked at the Note I received from you the other day for the circumstance came on me entirely unexpected[.] I thought you had all been perfectly well & was regretting that though I had been negligent in our intercourse I neither saw nor heard from you - It is not necessary Ben that I should offer you consolation at this time you have all the resources necessary within yourself but I scruple not though the risk of reagitating your fatigued feelings to express my sorrow at the event and condolence with you - It has been my lot of late to see death not near me it is true but around me on all sides and I have thought and reasoned on it until it has become in appearance harmless and a very commonplace event[.] I fear at times that I am becoming too torpid and insensible to the awe that generally and perhaps properly accompanies it but I cannot help it and when I consider my own weak constitution the time I have passed & the probable near approach of that end to all earthy things I still do not feel that inquietude & alarm which might be expected[.] It seems but being in another country[.]

But I must shorten these reflections[.] I have not time nor you I imagine serenity to bear them - but philosophise or if you please moralise - the world may laugh as long as its pleases at the cant of those terms - so long as they alter not the things they are welcome to their enjoyment you will find your best resources in reason & I am sure that conscious of that truth you have gone to it in distress.

You say you left many messages at Mr. Grays[.] I have not heard them but I have been little there or any where except on business so that they missed me - I have been more than enough employed[.] We have been obliged even to put aside lectures at the Institution - and now I am so tired with a long attendance at Guildhall Yesterday & today being subpoenaed with Sir H Davy Mr. Brande Phillips Aikin¹ & others to give chemical information on a trial which however did not come on that I scarcely know what I say[.]

I fear Dear Benjamin that the desultory character of my letter will hurt rather than console your feelings but I could not refrain longer from acknowledging yours & the pain it gave me[.]

Make my kindest remembrances to all & believe me Dear Ben

Yours as Ever | M. Faraday

Endorsed by Abbott: The date below appears to be erroneous this letter referring to the death of my mother which occurred in Feb 1818. See the postmark.

Address: Mr. B Abbott | 4 Long Lane | Bermondsey

Postmark: 28 February 1818