Faraday to David Reid   17 November 1825¹

Royal Institution | Nov 17. 1825

My Dear David

I do not know whether you have received any razors yet or no but a pair are on the road for you[.] You will be surprized at my specimen of expedition and I am afraid you may have suffered for want of your razor but unfortunately your note to me directed me to obtain a pair of the same kind of razors for a friend of yours and I (being anxious to keep up the credit they had obtained) on ordering them of Mr. Stodart² expressed a particular wish that they should be good[.] He promised them in a week but I have found since delayed making them in consequence of the illness and absence of his best workman whom he expected back daily and who has at last returned. I at first delayed your razor thinking they might all travel together but getting tired and fearing your wrath might induce you to send me a remonstrating letter in your largest hand I a few days ago obtained it from Mr. Stodart and gave it to our Brother William Barnard to send it to you[.] I have also with the hopes of pacifying you and in some degree atoning for the torment you have no doubt been put to during the absence of your razor ventured to accompany it with another confessing at the same time that my conscience has been sadly annoyed with the thought that whilst your rugged chin has had only one good knife at its command my every other day beard has possession of three or four.

As soon as the other razors are ready they shall be sent and they will come accompanied with a bill & receipt for one Guinea which will be their price[.] Now I have put into Mr. Barnards hands twelve guineas which he will transmit to you immediately and these with the Razor Guinea make thirteen - the sum I owe at Newcastle for glass tube[.] Will you therefore do me the kindness of paying these thirteen guineas to your Brother Robert³ explaining to him how you came by it (as an apology for not writing to him for which I have not time at present) and say I would be glad if he would send me a receipt for it through you & Mr. Barnard or otherwise that I may obtain the money from the Institution[.]

Sarah sends her love to you, to Eliza & all particular friends mine of course goes with it. They are inseparable. We have not yet ceased talking about our visit to Newcastle. Remember us particularly to you Father Mother Brothers & Sisters

I am Dear David | Very Affectionately Yours | M. Faraday

Mr David Reid

Address: Mr. D. Reid | 17 Dean Street | Newcastle