James South to Faraday   9 December 1835

Athenaeum Wednesday Afternoon | Dec 9th 1835 | 1 o'Clock

My dear Faraday,

I have been seriously ruminating over the affair between Lord Melbourne and yourself as it at present stands, and as it is likely to advance; and having this morning, again done so orally, I now in writing implore you, as you regard your own Comfort and mine also, to allow no consideration whatever to prompt you to submit to hearing the Conversation of any one - to be the message bearer of any one, or in fact to open your lips to any one whatever, on the subject.

Your Compliance with this will cause me to regard any trouble or obloquy it may impose upon me as a pleasure, but if your own good nature, or amiable feelings cannot permit you to do so, however poignantly I may do it, self regard will imperiously call on me to decline all further interference in the business.

I write this under feelings of the strongest esteem for you, indeed it is these and these alone which have dictated it.

Yours ever truly | J. South

PS Under existing circumstances it does not seem correct that you should refer any one to me (Dr. H. of course excepted) for any information or explanation on the subject.

Endorsed by Faraday: Sir J. South to me Dec 9 1835