Louis Napoleon to Faraday   23 May 1843¹

Fort of Ham the 23rd of May 1843

Dear Sir

You are not aware I am sure that since I have been here, no person has afforded me more consolation than yourself. It is indeed in studying the great discoveries which science is indebted to you for, that I render my captivity less sad and make time flow with rapidity.

I submit to your judgment and indulgence a theory of my own on voltaic electricity which was the subject of a letter from me to M. Arago, the 23 of April last, and which I here subjoin. M. Arago was kind enough to read it to the academy², but I do not yet know the general opinion on it. Will you have the kindness to tell me sincerely if my theory is good or not, as nobody is a better judge than yourself.

Permit me also to ask you another question that interests me much on account of a work, I intend soon to publish: What is the most simple construction to give to a voltaic battery in order to produce a spark capable of setting fire to powder under water or underground. Up to the present I have only seen employed to that purpose piles of 30 or 40 pairs constructed on Dr Wollaston's³ principles⁴. They are very large and inconvenient for field service. Could not the same effect be produced by two spiral pairs only, and if so what can be their smal[l]est dimension[.]

It is with infinite pleasure that I profit of this opportunity to recall myself to your remembrance, and to assure you that no one entertains a higher opinion of your scientific genius than

yours truly | Napoleon Louis Bonaparte

I beg to be kindly remembered to Sir James South and to Mr Babbage.

If you answer me be kind enough to put the direction, A Monsieur Tannert⁵ banquier à Ham, departement de la Somme.