L.B. Gibson to Faraday   20 July 1839¹

N. Castle on Tyne July 20 / 39

Sir, It has long been my determination to address you, but Bashfullness has detered me from so doing[.] But as you are now in "canny Newcastle" I embrace the opportunity. Believe me sir, I am not actuated by a change loving spirit. But by necessity I am Goaded to ad[d]ress you with a wish to do Good to my self, and those around me, which in my present position that is denyed me, owing to the price of labour, in my trade (coach Building) being kept at the lowest possible ebb, so low, that I Blush to name it. Yes! I am poor. Yet I have acquired a knowledge of the rudiments of that science, in which you stand a distinguished ornament, and in which science I might be of service to you. Alas! to you it must be known the many pangs which rankled in the heart of him, who thirsts for knowledge, while poverty, and obscurity, heap their Barriers befor[e] him. Then sir, if ever your heart panted to do Good, it must be to snatch the humble individual befor[e] you from the iron grasp of poverty, yes, in you I have planted a hope and to you I must say More. Independent of what knowledge I do possess in chemistry I can boast of that divine gift, which a Bounteous providence has showered upon me that of Piety! But! I sing the scenes of nature while many tears do fall! and why? I weep because I am not known!

I have no friend

Save but the shadow hopes

But just her even the dramatic muse has laid hold of me and smiles Me on to woo her.

Sir, you may say that I have "too many Irons in the fire"[.] But believe me that the two last are ever ready for working! It is chemistry for which I thirst. And in chemistry I shall persevere! If it was not my determination to Bring from every Atom in Nature a lesson of instruction - If I could treat with contempt that gift which God has given me - If I could say take Back thy Gift, I do not thank thee for it. - If I could Bar by Heart against the Joys of love then with my humble lot I ever would have smil'd; and you would not have known that such a mortal liv'd. But such I cannot do! I now Sir must conclude, you have known your own feelings then you can better imagine mine, than I can discribe them too [sic] you. Then if you think me an object worthy of your protection, in the laboratory my motto shall be cleanliness, and caution and in my every day actions gratitude towards you. Then ere you leave the "Banks of coaley Tyne" Build in my heart Bright hopes substantial Beans.

And I remain yours in | sincerity L B Gibson

To Dr Faraday

Address: Dr Faraday | N. Castle on Tyne