Faraday to Sarah Faraday   12 September 1837

British Association. Liverpool, Toxteth Park: | Tuesday, September 13 [sic], 1837.

Dearest Wife, - Misinformed about the hour of post time, I have learned that this will reach you only on Thursday morning, and that you cannot now hear of me to-morrow. It required for that, that the letter should have been in before two o'clock to-day.

...

We arrived here very safely and comfortably on Monday about four o'clock, and since then have been in a continual hurry, but our hosts here are in still greater haste, and indeed labour too much in the hospitable cause. Mr. Currie¹ was waiting for us; he claimed me, and a Dr. Reynolds² claimed Mr. Daniell. We could not avoid separating, and to-day both Daniell and myself feel quite ashamed of the coolness with which we received their kindness at first. However, we were parted, after dining at the ordinary, and going together in the evening to the amphitheatre, which was crowded with ladies to be present at the transfer‑ence of the Presidency³ from Lord Northampton⁴ to Lord Burlington⁵. At Mr. Currie's house I found a most pleasant welcome from Mrs. Currie⁶, and a charming bedroom, and slept most soundly.

This morning I went into town early after break‑fast, and met Daniell with our infinity of friends. But what will you think of Daniell's management, when I tell you that besides separating us, as it has done, in our domiciles, it has made us most responsible persons, for I am President of the Chemical Section, and he is one of the three Vice-Presidents? Only think of our not working. Why, it could not be. For if, after the extreme kindness and forbearance which the friends here showed to us, we had refused altogether to join in the common feeling, we should have looked like churls indeed. So we are is harness a little; nothing like what we might be: for all are excessively kind.

To-day I think we made our section rather more interesting than was expected⁷, and to-morrow I expect will be good also. In the afternoon Daniell and I took a quiet walk; in the evening he dined with me here. We have been since to a grand conversazione at the town-hall, and I have now returned to my room to talk with you, as the pleasantest and happiest thing I can do. Nothing rests me so much as communion with you. I feel it even now as I write, and I catch myself saying the words aloud as I write them, as if you were within hearing.

Dear girl, think of me till Saturday evening. I find I can get home very well by that time, if I leave Liver‑pool by half- past six in the morning; so you may expect me, I think certainly, though I have not yet booked my place⁸. Now I am not sure, but I think if you write by Thursday evening post, I shall get your letter by midday Friday; so write at all events. I will put the address to-morrow morning on the other side. (Wallace Currie, Esq., Liverpool.)

Ever, my dear Sarah, your affectionate husband, | M. Faraday