Ernst Becker to Faraday   7 May 1858

Buckingham Palace | 7 May. 1858.

My dear Mr Faraday

On Monday morning¹ I heard that the question as to the repairs of the house had been decided on. My first idea was, to run to Albemarle Street to tell you,- I could not, my duties kept me here, then I thought of sending you a line, but for an hour or more I could not find a single moment & then I knew that Sir Charles Phipps’s letter must have reached you meanwhile.- On Tuesday, I heard that you had accepted the Queen’s offer; again, I felt, as if I must come to you to tell you how glad I was, & hear from you that you have really in accepting the offer, considered it to be what Her Majesty intended it to be, viz: a boon to you & only a boon;- but again I could not find time. Then I received your very kind letter², which has given me more pleasure than you can imagine - and again I had to let two days pass before I was able to answer it. My consolation is: your very letter shows me that I need not be afraid of your taking my silence for want of interest.-

And now, as you have decided, let me express the hope, that when the first time of inconvenience & trouble is over, you will find that an occasional stay at Hampton will as much refresh your mind & improve Mrs Faraday’s health, as, I am sure, it will suit Miss Barnard’s taste.

I hope I shall be able to see you soon; meanwhile believe me

Yours truly | E. Becker