Faraday to Christian Friedrich Schoenbein   25 September 1857

Royal Institution | 25 Septr. 1857.

My dear Schoenbein,

I cannot leave my desk without telling you that yesterday I saw your daughter & received your letter¹. I went as soon as possible to Stamford Hill and found Miss Schoenbein very well though not yet recovered from her fatigue - looking cheerful & happy and as far as I could judge she & Miss Hornblower mutually pleased with each other. You need not doubt that she will find a most kind and careful friend in Miss Hornblower a woman of method & discipline but who by her tenderness & care makes all about her love her. You know one cannot judge of results in a hurry, but the first appearances are most favourable. I dare say Miss Schoenbein will find enough to do but a good moral atmosphere to do it in & hearty good will on all sides - We shall learn by degrees what opportunities the routine supplies & we shall hope to see her at our house when that is proper after our return home².

I can easily imagine Madame Schoenbein’s anxiety but except from what may be founded on difference of habits in our two countries she need have none[.] It so happens that I have three nieces with Miss Hornblower at this time & I hope they will make a friend of Miss Schoenbein & that you will hear a word or two about them now & then - Two of them are sisters to Jeannie³ whom I think you have met here[.]

As to the philosophy of the letter I must enjoy & talk about that another time or else I shall lose the post.

Ever My dear friend | Yours | M. Faraday

Our kindest thoughts on this occasion to Mrs. Schoenbein & the Sisters | M.F.