Faraday to Henry Deacon   4 October 1847¹

My dear friend,

In reference to the conversation we had together I am anxious to say on paper that I hope your son² will obtain the situation he is applying for. I have the strongest conviction that he deserves it & that he will be a benefit to his employers. My conviction is founded upon what I have seen of him for many years past and which gives me the fullest confidence in his honor, integrity, moral conduct and ability and though I cannot pretend to be a judge of his practical ability in glass making yet this I know that in the occasional conversations we have had together he impressed me with the idea that he understood his business for as far as I could comprehend. He spoke well on it. Now I never give certificates of character simply because the system has been so much abused and falsified that I objected to appear amongst those who did or do. But if this letter which I write to you in all honesty is one which you would like to show to your son or to those with whom he thinks of communicating I have no objection for if asked by any one about him it is just what I should say.

Ever Truly Yours, | M. Faraday

Endorsed: Letter from Dr. Faraday to my Father dated 4th Oct. 1847 respecting my application to the Union Plate Glass Co. received by me 5 Oct. and sent to the Directors on the 6th. returned to me upon my withdrawing my application on the 21st Oct. 1847