Faraday to Jean-Baptiste-André Dumas   28 April 1856

Royal Institution | 28 April 1856

My dear friend

You are indeed weighing me down with your kindness in taking so much trouble for me in the midst of your important avocations¹; and I can hardly think it right that the concerns of a worn out being like myself should occupy any part of the activity & intellect of another being who is exerting his powers for the improvement & benefit of his fellow creatures:- but as you desire me so I do, and hope that the pleasure I believe you feel in doing me a kindness will be in some degree your compensation for the trouble. I intended, when I should see you in Paris (for I do mean to be there if only for a couple of days) to tell you about the insignia; but as you direct me to write, so I write²:- Nevertheless, do what you think right in the matter, and, as I fear I am giving you far too much trouble, if I can save you any of that trouble when I come, let me do so[.]

With sincerest respects to Madame Dumas and the kindest feelings to yourself I am My dear friend

As ever Yours | M. Faraday

Monsieur | Monsieur Dumas | Secretaire | &c &c &c &c