Thomas Andrews to Faraday   8 April 1852

Queen’s College Belfast | April 8, 1852.

My dear Sir

Our arrangements for the meeting of the British Association which you are aware is to be held in this place in the first week in September are going on very favorably; and we have good reason to expect a successful meeting. We find it necessary however to apply to you to assist us in this good work by favoring us with your presence on the occasion, and I am only expressing the universal sentiment here when I add that an unfavorable reply from you will throw a gloom over our proceedings, while even a conditional promise that you will attend will have the best possible effect.

I may farther undertake to assure you that you will not be called upon to take a greater share in the public proceedings of the meeting than you may feel inclined to do; as I am fully aware that relaxation & not excitement is what you have a right to expect during your short intervals of labour.

But I have other inducements to offer; the month of September is here the finest season in the year and a tour round the Antrim Coast as far as the Giants Causeway will I am sure gratify your love of coast scenery & afford even an opportunity of examining without labour the extensive & varied basaltic formations which are equally interesting to the geologist & to the admirer of picturesque nature.

Graham has promised to attend and Liebig (who was here last autumn) has given me a conditional promise. They will be both inmates of my house, and as I am perhaps a little inclined to monoplolize the élite of the meeting, I wish to add you to the number of my guests. Mrs. Andrews desires me to express how much she will be gratified if Mrs. Faraday can accompany you.

Believe me to be | My dear Dr. Faraday | Yours most truly & obliged | Th Andrews

M. Faraday Esq | &c &c &c