Faraday to Allan Cunningham   24 December 1841¹

Royal Institution | 24 Decr. 1841

Dear Sir

The request of my friend the Revd. John Barlow; a brief introduction to you some time since by Sir Francis Chantrey²; and the kind expressed intentions of that great man made to me now above two years ago are the circumstances which induce me to write. Sir Francis had the intention & you probably may have known it of assisting us with matter & materials for an evening on Sculpture³. I do not know how far such a thing is now possible but Mr. Barlow who is Secretary for the Evenings & to whom also I believe Sir Francis communicated the same intention is very anxious with respect to it and though he might well apply to you in his own name yet I do not hesitate, on his request, to give him this note to you being sure you will excuse the liberty I take[.]

The death of Sir Francis⁴ came very suddenly on me for I had been told at Belgrave Place only a short time before that he was quite well again. It is a loss which will make many mourn for whether in reference to his public or his private character in all directions grounds of grief appear[.]

Ever Dear Sir | Your Obliged Servant | M. Faraday

Allan Cunningham Esq | &c &c &c