Faraday to Charles Babbage   15 August 1839

R Institution | 15 Aug 1839

My dear Babbage

I will certainly meet you tonight at the Gymnotus tub¹ but how can you expect me to do so before². I am afraid you have been doing me honor with Miss Coutts by giving reason to expect it yet if you think of it I cannot dine out any where without giving offence to you and many others whom I esteem most highly[.] Now be my friend tonight and explain this to Miss Coutts very clearly or else I shall really be ashamed to meet her after her kind invitation[.]

Ever My dear Babbage | Yours most faithfully | M. Faraday

Sir Jas South has often wished to see the Eel in action[.] You can judge whether in the present case you would like to ask him to be present | MF [.]

Remember me kindly to my friend Masquierer. | MF