Faraday to Margery Ann Reid   12 December 1857

Royal Institution | 12 Decr. 1857.

My dear Maggie

I have just learned from your aunt¹ that you have not had my letter ie the one I wrote immediately on the receipt of your translation² - You really must have thought me extra forgetful. Conceive the thanks I sent you for your kindness & those to Mr. Deacon & give to him those that are not for yourself[.] My letter must be lying somewhere in a post office but I cannot in any way call to mind any circumstance that will account for its misadventure[.] Now knowing your interest in me & mine & therefore in the Gravitation matter I will not try to make amends by repeating what I suppose I said to you but I will send you a letter or two that has passed betwixt myself & Mr Maxwell the Mathematical professor at Aberdeen³:- he who wrote a mathematical paper on “Faraday’s lines of force”⁴ & proved their mathematical correctness. I think they will interest you - take care of them & return them to me at your convenience[.] I am almost afraid now to trust the post with them.

We returned from Brighton Yesterday - in our usual health - left Jenny there & by this time I suppose she will have received her father⁵ mother⁶ & sister in our place. Mr Boosey⁷ was so to s[t]ay with us there but I expect has returned home to day[.] Mr Whitelaw⁸ has been very unwell this week - not out last Sabbath & Mr Vincent has been ill but is better.

As for your coming home I wish it but do not expect it. There is a sort of lingering doubtful vis inertia fatality about Newcastle when you go there which makes one ask your intentions only to doubt the results[.] Well wherever you are my dear Girl may you be happy & at peace in that which concerns you most. My love to Your father⁹ - Caroline - & many other - to Elizabeth¹⁰, Mr. Deacon - Mr Reid¹¹ - Mr. Paradise kind old man often on ones thoughts[.]

Your Very Affectionate Uncle | M. Faraday

Miss Reid