Faraday to John Barlow   2 May 1843

R Institution | May 2 1843

My dear Sir

I saw Mr. Taylor¹ last night at Stamford Hill & concluding Mr Fincher had not seen him spoke on the subject. He would rather give the Lecture on Thursday² than not but will leave it out if required only if left out it is to be struck out altogether i.e the course will be of five lectures instead of six - but it will be to him as if he had given the Six. His party are all engaged for certain days & he cannot put them off otherwise than as above[.] Now under these circumstances & the early time of the funeral had not the lecture better go on. If Mr. Taylor receives no notice it is to go on as usual. If to be put off Mr Fincher is to inform him & also, by sufficient means, his audience[.] Will you decide & then let Webster³ go to Mr Fincher with this note perhaps & your instructions upon it[.]

Ever Truly Yours | M. Faraday

Revd John Barlow | &c &c &c

Endorsed by Barlow:

Dear Sir,

All circumstances considered I return to my first opinion in which Mr. Faraday coincides as will be seen by the accompanying note which I will thank you to return to me.

I will also thank you to exhibit in the newspaper-room & Library the following notice

"As it is found that great inconvenience would be occasioned, and that the subscribers to the Lectures of the Professor of Music must lose one of them altogether if the Lecture on Thursday next were not given, it is determined that no alteration shall be made: especially as the funeral of H.R.H The late Duke of Sussex⁴ is appointed at so early an Hour. -

Tuesday May 2d