Faraday to Duc de Plaisance   28 April 1856

London | 28 April 1856

To His Excellency | The Grand Chancellor of the Legion of Honor | &c &c &c &c

Monseignor

Though feeling quite unworthy of the high distinction done me by the Emperor when he deigned to confer upon me the degree of Commander of the Legion of Honor I am still unwilling to resign any part of that distinction. I was in the country because of ill health and therefore unable to be at Paris at the time when His Majesty distributed the marks of his pleasure; but being encouraged by my scientific friends¹ I venture to apply to Your Excellency for the Insignia of the degree and hope that the estimation in which I hold the honor may be in some measure an excuse for the liberty I am taking.

I have the honor to be | Your Excellency’s most humble | & obedient Servant | F