Faraday to Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas   18 June 1849

Royal Institution | 18 June 1849

My dear friend

My first thought in writing or thinking of you is are you happy - for so much turns up near & about you that seems to me incompatible with your habit of mind & occupation that I mourn a little at times. What comes to pass direct from the hand of God, as the serious illness of your Son¹, we must indeed strive to receive with patience but that which is evolved through the tumults & passions of man does not bring with it that chastening & in some degree alleviating thought. I rejoice however to hear that your Son is better and that in respect of him you and Madame Dumas are relieved from all present anxiety. I think I remember him well as he went with us through the Jardin des Plantes².

In reference to M. Melsens matter³ I have written⁴ to our Colonial Secretary Mr Hawes⁵ and could not say other than what you have said but M. D’Eichthal will inform you of that matter. Surely it must become very important & I hope will on one way or another produce its fitting return to M Melsens.

I think I wrote a short time ago by De la Rive⁶ and fear that you or still more Madame Dumas will have reason to be weary of my letters but I trust in the kindness of both for forgiveness. Ever my dear friend Yours most faithfully | M. Faraday

M. Dumas | &c &c &c