Lord Melbourne to Faraday   24 November 1835

South Street | November 24, 1835

Sir

It was with much concern that I received your Letter declining the offer¹, which I considered myself to have made in the interview, which I had with you in Downing St, & it was with still greater pain that I collected from that letter that your determination was founded upon the certainly imperfect, & perhaps too blunt & inconsiderate manner, in which I had expressed myself in our conversation². I am not unwilling to admit that any thing in the nature of censure upon any party ought to have been abstained from upon such an occasion; but I can assure you that my observations were intended only to guard myself against the imputation of having any political advantage in view & not in any respect to apply to the conduct of those, who had or who hereafter might avail themselves of a similar offer. I intended to convey, that altho' I did not myself entirely approve of the motives which appeared to me to have dictated some recent grants, yet that your scientific character was so eminent & unquestionable as entirely to do away any objection, which I might otherwise have felt & to render it impossible that a distinction so bestowed could be ascribed to any other motive, than a desire to reward acknowledged desert & to advance the interests of Philosophy³.

I cannot help entertaining a hope that this explanation may be sufficient to remove any unpleasant or unfavourable impression, which may have been left upon your mind, & that I shall have the satisfaction of receiving your consent to my advising His Majesty to grant you a pension equal in amount to that which has been conferred upon Professor Airy⁴, & other persons of distinction in science & literature.

I remain, Sir | with full respect | Your faithful & obedient servant | Melbourne

Michael Faraday Esq | &c &c

Endorsed by Faraday: Lord Melbourne to MF | 24 Nov 1835

Address: Immediate | Private | Michael Faraday | 21 Albemarle St ì