Faraday to Miss Rutt   25 September 1857¹

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | 25. Septr. 1857.

My dear Miss Rutt

You place me in a difficulty which I hope you will allow me to explain. Much as I have valued many volumes containing autographs or other collected matters I have always been opposed to their formation by direct contribution and have no other answer to the many applications than the power to say that according to my general rule I cannot accede to them[.] It is very true that I proposed an if to Mr. Williams²; to come off at the time as a joke[.] If you press me I will write the line but I thought I would throw myself (as I am circumstanced) upon your kind consideration and as I am obliged to be in town to day³ would not delay to call on you but explain at once. Be merciful & think of my future consistency[.]

Ever My dear Miss Rutt | Most faithfully Yours | M. Faraday