G.G. Wilson to Faraday   26 October 1853¹

217 Strand | 26th Oct 1853

Dear Sir

I am personally unknown to you and the only introduction I can offer to you is this. I have just seen a gentleman of the name of Fitzgerald² who called here in the way of business and who tells me that he had the pleasure of meeting you at a party last evening when you were speaking upon the subject of table turning, and that your opinion was totally opposed to the possibility of anything like Spiritual or Satanic Agency in the matter. Some most curious and startling facts have occurred at my place of residence in connexion with this much vexed subject - much vexed I beg to repeat notwithstanding your letter to the Times³ which every one has read or at least ought to have read.

I am not a showman, but simply a bankers’ clerk and therefore will not run about to exhibit the thing but if in the interest of science you would take the trouble to travel as far as Ilford in Essex where I live I fully believe that you would go away with a very different opinion upon the subject from that which you hold at present.

Should you think it worth your while to take any notice of this communication

My address is | Mr G.G. Wilson | at Messrs Strahan & Co⁴ | 217 Strand

and if you drop a line I will either arrange to accompany you to my home in the evening (which may be any you like to appoint after tomorrow) or will furnish you with the exact address - as we live in a new neighbourhood and are rather difficult to find.

I am Dear Sir | Yours very respectfully | G.G. Wilson

Mr Faraday Esq | &c &c &c

P.S. | In order to make it quite clear to you that I have and can have no interest in misinforming or attempting to deceive you - I add in plain English - that no money or present of any kind would be accepted from any one however pleased and satisfied with the demonstration he might be.