Faraday to William Upcott   6 February 1826

Royal Institution | Monday Feby 6. 1826.

My dear Sir

I have received your book and am afraid you brought it yourself in which case I have to regret we were not at home to receive you. I will do all I can for it but want to see you soon and must ascertain your essentials for a worthy autograph[.] Now I wrote to you by a private hand several days ago threatening you with an overwhelming visit but I find you have not yet received the letter[.] It was to ask you whether you should be at home next Wednesday Evening for an hour after 8 o clk to receive us and our party and (in consequence of the conversation which passed at Mr. Wyon’s when you were present) I told him I would let him know immediately I heard from you whether it would be agreeable[.] Will you therefore take the trouble to drop me a line permitting or not according to your convenience and if you can spare the time and would write a line to Mr Wyon too it would save time[.] I am sorry to say that I am at liberty on no other evening than Wednesday but that must not limit or confine you[.]

Mrs. Faraday thinks herself authorised by you to bring three other ladies; and to assist me in keeping charge of them and also to enjoy the pleasures of your room I must bring another gentleman besides yourself[.] So consider what you say in your letter. We remember your late hospitality with great pleasure but are anxious that we should not occupy above an hour or an hour & half of your time on this occasion[.] We would much rather limit our pleasure than intrude on you and think decidedly that your visitors should be considerate and not transform your good nature and interesting collection into a tax upon your convenience[.]

I am Dear Sir | Your Very Obliged | M. Faraday

William Upcott Esq | &c &c

Endorsed: Ansd Feb: 6. 1826 | WW