Faraday to John Barrow   19 February 1838

Royal Institution | 19 Feby 1838

Sir

In reply to your enquiry¹ respecting my opinion whether hemp in which there is a considerable portion of oil if prepared like Hay and placed below in the store room of steam vessels would not be liable to occasion spontaneous ignition I have to say that such is my opinion and that if ignition occurred I should think it a very natural effect of the circumstances[.]

I have known one case in which hemp being oiled & accumulated in com‑paratively a small mass has ignited and burnt[.]

I am Sir | Your Obedient Humble Servant | M. Faraday

Sir John Barrow | &c &c &c

Endorsement: 19 Feb Send this to Store Keeper Gen² and in consequence their Lordships do not think it expedient that hemp should be so placed in steam vessels. JB

See Portsmouth Yard of 25th Novr 1837³, and letter from Mr Faraday of 19th Feby 1838.