James South to Faraday   5 May 1858

Observatory Kensington | Wedy. May 5. 58 | 3h. P.M.

My Dear Faraday,

Ecstasied with Joy at the News which Your Letter of Yesterday¹ (this Moment only received) has almost overwhelmed me, I write this to thank You for the friendly act -

In the rural domicile, which the Queen has done honor to herself by Giving You, and I hope Your wife in case she should survive you, May God “endue you plenteously with heavenly gifts” - “grant you in health” and happiness “long to live” - “strengthen you that you may vanquish and overcome” all the inconveniences of age - and “finally after this life, may you attain everlasting joy and felicity” with those to whom you have been attached in this world, never more to be separated from them in that which is to come!²

Remember me most kindly to Mrs. Faraday and believe me that no one living feels a deeper interest in the health and happiness of you both, than does

My Dear Faraday | Yours most affectionately | J. South