James South to Faraday   22 June 1859

Obsy Kensington | Wedy. June 22nd 59

My dear Faraday,

A Neighbour of mine¹ had during the storm of Sunday ² an Acacia Tree of large size, struck by Lightning -

The trunk of the tree was split, and the Exposed Surfaces Singed, & the stem most neatly decorticated.

The tree, or rather the shattered part of it has unfortunately been cut into lengths of 4 or 5 feet, otherwise it might have given a fine opportunity for getting a photographic sketch, for it must have been a fine specimen before it was mutilated, by the Saw.

I scarcely think it will repay you for coming purposely so far to see it, but if you think otherwise, I shall have great pleasure in accompanying you to it at any time you please - it is not more than a minutes’ walk from my house -

I called yesterday at the Institution to tell you this but was not fortunate in finding you -

With kind regards to Mrs Faraday | Yours Ever sincerely | J. South

PS/ I purposed calling in Albemarle Street to day but find myself really too unwell to leave my home -