Faraday to Dominique François Jean Arago   23 January 1851

Royal Institution | 23, Jany. 1851

My dear Mr. Arago

Your last remembrance of me (Carnot¹) has touched me deeply and has filled me with gladness and sorrow. Gladness that you should in such times and under present circumstances remember me and sorrow to think that the circumstances were there. Your handwriting, so brief so affectionate & so touching I traced the F. the A. and every letter. Do you remember your kindness in explaining to me the revolt at the end? it came most vividly to my mind when I looked upon this last signature which I shall cherish ever. Do not think me foolish in writing all this. I may be out of all rule of behaviour in thus speaking to you but the only thought I have in my heart is to give expression to the deep feeling of respect & honor which I have towards you first as the deep & powerful thinker amongst natures works and one of the most forward leaders of the human race into the regions of knowledge and next as one who has bound me to him by personal & private considerations[.]

Ever my dear M. Arago | Your very grateful & Obliged | M. Faraday

Address: A. Monsieur | Monsieur Arago | &c &c &c | Observatoire | à Paris