Thomas Sopwith to Faraday   30 June 1856¹

Allenheads Haydon Bridge | June 30th 1856

My dear Mr Faraday

In the months of July - September and October this year - (or November though I am doubtful whether I may be at home * in that month & it is rather too late for our high moors & mountains) - You cannot come wrong as I hope to be at home & I think you would also be at home & find much to interest you combined with an abundance of opportunity of rest moderate exercise & agreeable relaxation & if any of yr. family circle can accompany you it would add much to the pleasure[.] It is of no use to offer a philosopher any more sincere welcome than what is implied in the two words “home & comfort” for these imply all that can be desired. I am in my own habits a man of business & make business my main pursuit but I have some small inklings for science & some feeling of admiration for art and what with books & drawings & our fine bold mountain scenery & good schools & Mines & Smelting & de-silvering and a long list of miscellaneous etceteras I think it would very hard with us if we could not find you materials to think if thoughtful or to enjoy a pleasant leisure “if on nothing bent”. But pray do not forget how exceedingly glad I would be to see you & my daughter² will give a very cordial welcome indeed to any of your good companions of travel - I am fain to add whatever I can of temptation & think you would not be utterly uninterested in our Meteorology at 1400 feet of Elevation above the Sea level

In August I have Shooters - noise - smoke & feeding - especially 12th to 24th but the extreme commencement or final finish of the month are not liable to these inroads on the more quiet & home like affair which I fancy is what you prefer to the mere gaities of visiting for which indeed I know that you care nothing at all³[.]

Believe me My Dear Mr Faraday | Most faithfully yours | T. Sopwith

Professor Faraday | &c &c &c

* aiblins Egypt⁴