Faraday to Henry Enfield Roscoe   10 January 1859¹

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | 21 Albemarle St W | 10 Jany 1858 [sic]

My dear Roscoe

I received your note to day. As to young Vincent² I will answer your enquiries in succession as far as I am able. His moral character is excellent:- he is truthful, temperate, prudent, honorable and straight forward:- in respect of intellectual character I believe it to be good; he has written one or two short papers in the philosophical magazine³[.]

As to his qualifications I believe him able & willing to work - at such hard manual work as you express it as is likely to occur in chemical occupation - though may not know the particular practise of a cotton printing laboratory I doubt not he could quickly make himself master of it: for he has now been engaged for more than a year I believe in the analysis &c of Alkali works. The general principles of chemistry he knows very well[.]

His age is 21 years[.]

He is at present engaged in an Alkali work his address being “Messrs Johnstone Alkali works Weston Point near Runcorn, Cheshire” - not indeed very far from Manchester. It is not entirely satisfactory and I think the young man might properly feel that it is not but it is under the condition of a months notice on either side[.]

I have permitted Mr. Vincent to send your letter to his son - but of course he cannot act or do any thing until he hears further about the matter[.] I should think you could write to him direct if this note satisfies any part of your enquiry - or could even see him in Manchester if that were considered important[.]

His father begs to thank you very much for your remembrance of him & his son & thinks well of the possibility - I also beg to thank you heartily for your kindness[.]

Ever My dear Sir | Most truly Yours | M. Faraday

H.E. Roscoe Esqr | &c &c &c