Faraday to Benjamin Abbott   15 May 1821

Royal Institution | May. 15th. 1821

My dear Abbott

The receipt of your letter has distressed and grieved me sadly, and I feel how much you must be overwhelmed by this sudden wave of affliction¹. I was looking forward to a cheerful joyous return, with health & strength invigorated by the voyage. I would fain hope there in some mistake in the account you have received but the tone of your letter prevents me when I refer to it. These things come over us so suddenly and with such overpowering force that no reasoning or philosophy can bear up against them and the only duty left that it is possible to exert is resignation[.] You must bear up My dear Abbott and comfort & encourage your father & sister though you do your own feelings violence in the effort. Tell them but not so as to re-awaken sorrows that may be lull’d for a moment how much I feel on this occasion & believe me dear Abbott your distressed friend

M. Faraday

Address: Mr B Abbott | Grange Road | Bermondsey