Faraday to George Biddell Airy   7 November 1859

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead] | Albemarle St. W. | 7 Novr. 1859.

My dear Sir

I would rather you should think me a little intrusive than think that I and all ours are not charmed to hear you. But I do not wish to intrude; I am only anxious that if you are inclined to favour us in the coming season, such inclination should not fail through the want of that attention which takes the form of asking. In fact I am trying to ask for the Institution in such a manner as not in the least to trouble you if you say no and yet to express our sense of pleasure & thankfulness if you say yes¹.

Sometimes friends who are inclined ask as to what subject. It is not for me to suggest to you but I know I should like to hear about time the reasons derived both from Railway & Shipping why it should be alike (or not) all over our islands & the means of making it accurately so[.]

Ever My dear Sir | Very faithfully Yours | M. Faraday

G.B. Airy Esqr | &c &c &c