Sarah Faraday and Faraday to Arthur Young   5 January 1848¹

Royal Institution Jany 5 | 1848

My dear Friend

I am sorry that your kind letter should remain so long unanswered but Mr Faraday has been obliged to give up almost all letter writing by the orders of his medical friend & I have turned amanuensis occasionally since our visit to Scotland² which visit we cannot regret since it has given us so many pleasant remembrances, but it was injudicious at a time when he was unable to bear any excitement, I was very anxious about him for some time after our return, but I am happy to say with great care & twice visiting the sea side he is much restored and he joins me in most affectionate love to all our dear friends in Dundee[.] I have often felt that I should like to write to some of my kind friends to keep up our acquaintance but so many things in this busy circle of ours prevents but you will perhaps mention this to Miss Russel³ Miss Bell Baxter⁴ & indeed our kind hostess Miss Duff⁵ & Mrs J.H. Baxter⁶ but it is of no use making such a long catalogue. I need only say my love to them all, there are many I should like to hear particulars about your Aunt⁷ among my old friends & your sister⁸ among the young[.]

Our visit to Montrose has left a very pleasant remembrance though it makes us grieve at the loss of our dear friend & Elder Mr Findlay⁹ more than we should have done how soon he has been taken away after seeing him so well & lively but the Influenza has been very severe every where - it seems as to be the final cause of the death of our sister Mrs. Gray¹⁰, but she has long been lost to us - being exceedingly weak both in body & mind.

We were very happy to hear of several additions to the church in Dundee soon after we were there I think 10. We have had none since our return that I recollect[.]

My dear Father¹¹ continues well in health & spirits which is a great comfort he took tea with us last week & walked all the way home afterwards, which you will recollect is a long walk about two miles & a half[.]

I was glad to see Mrs Henry Bell¹² out & looking well after the measles last sabbath.

I am ashamed that you should have no better an answer to yours than this but hope you will take the will for the deed & believe me

Your friend affectionately | S. Faraday

Dear Friend

I am one with my wife in love to your sister and aunt & self and to Mr Duff and all that think of me[.] I often think & with great pleasure of our visit to the North[.]

Yours affectionately | M. Faraday

Arthur Young Esq