Faraday to the Editor of the Times   31 July 1837

Sir, - Though very unwilling to appear in the public journals or intrude on your kindness, I am induced, by what appears to be an unnecessary reference to my name in the late inquest¹ to ask of you the favour of publication for the present letter².

I knew Mr. Cocking³ long ago, was a fellow member with him at the City Philosophical Society, and heard him deliver the lecture 23 years since referred to by Mr. Gye⁴ at the inquest⁵; and the recollection of his companionship, ability, and kindness at that time adds greatly to my feelings of sorrow for his melancholy death. I did not know that he thought of putting his parachute to the proof by a descent until I saw his intention announced in the papers⁶, and did not see him or the parachute until the day of the descent. He then asked me at the gardens my opinion of its safety, and I said that as to its capability of retarding his descent it was purely a matter of calculation into which I could not go. He said that he had made both experiments and calculations, and was fully assured the velocity of descent would not be greater than that of a man falling from a height of two feet. I then remarked upon the weakness of the construction, especially of the upper ring, and asked why he had not given it a form better able to resist collapsion? Why it was not assisted by stretchers or bracings, &c.? He gave me the same answer generally that he had given to My. Gye, that it was strong enough, and that he objected to more weight above. I made other objections, as for instance, to the opening in the middle of the parachute, the place of the centre of gravity, &c., but finding him perfectly satisfied with his preparations and resolved to ascend (as is fully proved by the evidence on the inquest), finding also by the care of Mr. Gye that every precaution was taken to enable him to abandon his intention at any moment, I desisted from further remarks, which might tend to disturb his presence of mind, though they would not have prevented his ascent. I however said not a word to him to advance his going; but, being doubtful and anxious, had expressed myself so to some on the ground, and amongst others to Mr. Green⁷, who asking me whether I would rather be in his or Mr. Cocking's situation, I said in his; and this he told to Mr. Cocking in my hearing. With these feelings on my mind I retired in part, and did not speak to Mr. Cocking for the last hour and a half.

Hearing that Mr. Mason⁸ was disturbing Mr. Cocking's attention, I did venture to say to the former gentlemen, that as Mr. Cocking was resolved to ascend, I thought it unwise. Mr. Mason told me that he had made calculations, the result of which was, that the descent would be a very rapid one. I observed that Mr. Cocking had also told me he had made experiments and calculations, the results of which were, that the descent would be slow. Mr. Mason's calculations and objections, as far as I know, had no relation to the strength of the parachute, or to the actual cause of the failure and sad result.

The opinion given by Mr. Green and Mr. Gye (who appear to me to be the best judges under the circumstances) regarding the failure of the parachute makes me glad that I said no more to Mr. Cocking than I did. The retention of the rope attached to the balloon at the moment of separation may have been due to some disturbance of mind through anxiety, thus bringing on the fatal termination; and I am very thankful that I, at least, was not the cause of any such anxiety.

In conclusion, my sincere thanks are due to the coroner for his kindness and consideration⁹. It is much to be desired, though perhaps not to be expected, that others would more frequently have the same thought.

I am, | Sir, | your obliged servant, | M. Faraday

Royal Institution, July 31.