Brough George Maltby to Faraday   7 October 1848

Trinity House, London, | 7th October 1848.

Sir,

The Corporation being about to order the Manufacture of some Floating Light Lanterns for certain Light Vessels are desirous of ascertaining whether the Area of a particular sized Lantern which they have latterly adopted for some vessels is sufficiently capacious for the efficient burning of 8 Argand Lamps.

The Size of the Lantern above alluded to is less than that of the Lanterns most usually fitted to the Masts of the Light Vessels but the Elder Brethren are induced to prefer the use of a smaller Lantern, partly from the difference in the Expence thereof, and more particularly on account of the decrease in it's weight.

I am therefore instructed to solicit you to favor them with your opinion on the Subject, and to request that you will, when quite convenient, inspect a Lantern of each description at Mr. Wilkins's Premises.

I am, | Sir, | Your most humble Servant | B.G. Maltby | pro sec

M. Faraday Esqre | &c &c &c