Faraday to Charles Beaumont Phipps   3 May 1858

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | Albemarle St | 3 May 1858

Sir

I find it difficult to write my thanks or express my sense of the gratitude I owe to Her Majesty; first, for the extreme kindness which is offered to me in the use of the house at Hampton Court, but far more, for that condescension and consideration which, in respect of personal rest and health, was the moving cause of the offer. I feared that I might not be able properly to accept Her Majesty’s most gracious favour. I could not bring myself to decline so honorable an offer;- and yet I was constrained carefully to consider, whether its acceptance was consistent with my own particular and peculiar circumstances. The enlargement of Her Majesty’s favour¹ has removed all difficulty.- I accept with deep gratitude:- and I hope that you will help me to express fitly to Her Majesty my thanks and feelings on this occasion.

I have the honor to remain | Sir | Your very obliged & grateful Servant | M. Faraday

Coll. | The Honble C.B. Phipps C.B. | &c &c &c &c