Faraday to Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas   7 October 1844

Royal Institution | 7 Octr. 1844

My dear Sir

After the hopes that were raised of your presence at York¹ I was indeed greatly disappointed not to have the happiness of seeing your face there & hearing the pleasant sounds of your voice. I do not know why but I had been told & had taken it for granted that you would come, easily believing that which I wished, and was so much the more disappointed & that it was not your science only that we desired may be shewn in this that Mrs. Faraday missed you also as well as I. Matteucci is kind enough to take charge of a book² for you of little value in itself but bearing my earnest feelings of regard respect & affection; for much as my memory fails me touching facts & occurrences I cannot forget your kind visit³ here & many other things which draw my thoughts to you. I hope you enjoy constant health & happiness and that Madame Dumas to whom I beg to offer my humble respects is also well. I am very well in health but troubled in the head whenever I try to work or read up with attention. But I have every reason to be content retaining as I do the good will & kind feelings of so many whom I admire[.]

Believe me Ever My dear Sir | with all respect Your | Very faithful & affectionate Servant | M. Faraday

Monsieur | Monsieur Dumas | &c &c &c &c

Address: A Monsieur | Monsieur Dumas | &c &c &c &c | Paris