Faraday to John Henry Pelly   3 February 1836

Royal Institution | 3 Feby 1836

My dear Sir

I consider your letter¹ to me as a great compliment, and should view the appointment at the Trinity House which you propose in the same light; but I may not accept even honours without due consideration[.]

In the first place my time is of great value to me; and if the appointment you speak of involved any thing like periodical routine attendances I do not think I could accept it. But if it meant, that in consultation, in the examination of proposed plans & experiments, in trials, &c made as my convenience would allow and with an honest sense of a duty to be performed, then I think it would consist with my present engagements[.]

You have left the title & the sum in pencil. These I look at mainly as regards the character of the appointment; you will believe me to be sincere in this when you remember my indifference to your proposition as a matter of interest, though not as a matter of kindness. In consequence of the good will and confidence of all around me, I can at any moment convert my time into money but I do not require more of the latter than is sufficient for necessary purposes[.] The sum therefore of ú200 is quite enough in itself but not if it is to be the indicator of the character of the appoint‑ment but I think you do not view it so & that you & I understand each other in that respect and your letter confirms me in that opinion[.] The position which I presume you would wish me to hold is analogous to that of a consulting Counsel[.]

As to the title it might be what you pleased almost. Chemical Adviser is too narrow for you would find me venturing into parts of the Philosophy of light not chemical[.] Scientific adviser you may think too broad (or in me too presumptuous) and so it would be if by it was understood all science[.] It was the character I held with two other persons at the Admiralty board in its former constitution²[.]

The thought occurs to me whether after all you want such a person as myself. This you must judge of; but I always entertain a fear of taking an office in which I may be of no use to those who engage me. Your applications are however so practical & often so chemical that I have no great doubt in the matter[.]

I am My dear Sir | Very Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Captn Pelly | &c &c &c

Endorsed by Faraday: Copy | My reply to Capt Pelly | 3 Feby 1836