Thomas Henry Farrer to Faraday   29 February 1856¹

29th. February [185]6

20820

21st. instant², and to inform you that my Lords hear with pleasure that you are willing to give them your valuable assistance.

You state that you are quite willing to accept the same duty for my Lords as that which you perform at the Trinity House under the same circumstances and conditions.

The duties which my Lords will ask you to perform are the following, viz. The inspection of the Lighting Apparatus at the makers in London, and advice in putting the work out to contract, in order to ensure the apparatus being made in a way which would satisfy you when you inspect it. As my Lords anticipate that your service will be required on very few occasions, they propose that your remuneration should be either according to the number of inspections actually performed, or a fixed Salary of say One Hundred Pounds per annum, as may be most agreeable to you[.]

In the hope that these arrangements will meet with your views, my Lords direct me to inform you that the Apparatus for the Lighthouse at Cape Race, Newfoundland, is now at Messrs. De Ville³ in the Strand, and ready for inspection at a day’s notice; and my Lords will be glad if you will name an early day to meet the Engineer for the Lighthouse⁴ and Admiral Beechey⁵ at that place.

I am, | Sir, | Your obedient Servant | T.H. Farrer

M. Faraday Esqr F.R.S | &c &c &c | Royal Institution