Christian Friedrich Schoenbein to Faraday   20 February 1859

Bâle febr. 20. 1859.

My dearest friend,

I enclose a few lines to acknowledge the kind letter of Mrs. Faraday’s and your niece’s, which really produced a soothing effect upon our harrowed minds and bleeding hearts; and it is particularly Mrs. Schoenbein that feels most thankfully for that proof of friendly and sympathizing feelings. Mr. Crowdy¹ of Winchester and Miss Mayo² of Hampstead friends of mine and Emilia’s have most kindly and spontaneously offered to me to put a tombstone upon the grave of my deeply lamented daughter and ask my permission to do so as a favor. We were deeply touched by the delicate expression of their friendly feelings and gratefully accept of their kindness offered; but nevertheless I should consider it as the most grateful deed of yours if you would join your dear name to their’s. Mrs. Schoenbein’s bodily health is, thank god, nearly reestablished, but the sadness of her heart as yet very great; there are however intervals of tranquil resignation to the inscrutable decree of heaven. I have begun my lectures again, but in what state of mind I leave you to imagine. The whole world has become stale and insipid to me, has even assumed a sad appearance.

Pray offer my most grateful thanks to Mrs. Faraday and your niece and pity | your deeply mourning | friend.

Address: Doctor Michael Faraday | Royal Institution | Albemarle Street | London.