Charles Etler to Faraday   22 November 1855¹

South Barracks, Halifax NS | 22 Novr. 1855.

Sir,

Imagining that I have discovered an easy method of measuring the distance and size of distant objects I have taken the liberty of communicating it to you, partly because I have no friends of my own who could take the matter in hand but chiefly, because I can confide in your ability to judge of its merits. The idea of constructing a something which I have presumptuously termed A Telemeter occurred to me about twelve months ago when engaged in writing the enclosed essay²: but it was only a few weeks since that I had opportunity of verifying my suppositions, which I did, although very imperfectly, by means of an old tin tube about 12 inches in length and 2 in diameter, in which was inserted a slide fitting the tube and having in it a small aperture through which the extremities of the object to be measured must be seen. The size of this aperture may be either given or unknown. In the figure given in explanation of the principles of the instrument aa, bb, cc, and rr represent the aperture, and the numbers on Cy the scale of inches marked on the tube. A want of funds has prevented me from proving whether or not lenses may be adapted to the instrument.

I am a young man belonging to Somersetshire. About 4½ years ago having become very unsettled in my religious opinion I left home and came to America, in various parts of which I have since been wandring. My father is a carpenter now living in London. He is an old man and has a family dependent upon his exertions for their daily bread.

When in Canada about 18 months ago, I began a Poem with the intention of using it as a means of procuring me some kind of situation on my return to England; but finding my circumstances too indifferently suited for carrying out my design and with the same end in view, I attempted to write a short story, and chose for the sake of novelty and originality, The Aurora Borealis for its subject. Of the absolute merits of the Essay my ignorance of Science prevents me from forming an opinion, I have only to affirm that little as it is, it has cost me many sleepless hours, and that although I am little better than an ignoramus in scientific matters I consider myself as much entitled to sit in judgement on Nature as some of those philosophers who assert that the polar regions must needs be very hot in consequence of the conveyence of the magnetic rays, and that the sun was seen to emit flames 20,000 miles in height. I concluded it rather abruptly for the more I examined the subject the less able did I feel to proceed, and the more apparent did my ignorance become; but I fondly hoped that someday I might become a Gibeonite³ in the Temple of Science so that I might be able to peer still further into nature’s mysteries.

Arriving in Nova Scotia I found myself a few months since in such straightened circumstances that I was fain to enlist and am at present known as Charles Etler. Grenr. 76th Regt. and since my hopes of returning home have now forsaken me, I have at least ventured to address you, trusting that you will give me credit for an honest motive, and for a diffidence, which although unexpressed, is not the less felt; for I know full well the fallacy of those expectations which imagination and poverty are apt to excite. If my speculations shall have the effect of causing the fire at home to burn more cheerfully during the ensuing winter I shall be happy, and perhaps encouraged to work my way through difficulties which at present indeed appear insurmountable. If this should lead to a communication with my parents (whose name and address are below) I trust that my enlistment will be suffered to remain a secret to them, as they would be but poorly conditioned to resign themselves to the loss of another child. Merely adverting to the circumstances that whilst writing I am encompassed by red-jackets, I conclude humbly hoping that you will deem the exigency of my case as a sufficient apology for the step I have taken.

I am Sir | Yours respectfully | Chas Etler

To Professor Faraday | London

Mr. Samuel Spear⁴ | No 29 Upper Bemerton St | Caledonian Rd Islington | London.

Endorsed by Faraday: From a soldier | Halifax | Decr 1855

Address: Professor Faraday | Care of Messrs Bradbury⁵ & Evans⁶ | No 11 Bouverie Street | London | England