James Emerson Tennent to Faraday   17 June 1861

Board of Trade June 17. 1861

My dear Sir

I have recd. your letter of the 14th¹. - but as Mr. Homes² wife³ is dying; the probability is that the meeting at which I wished you to be present on the 24th may not take place. From the same cause, I am unable to see Mr Home previously, or to make the inquiries of himself necessary to satisfy the queries of your letter[.]

The idea of your going originated exclusively with myself - After describing to you, last year the phenomena which took place in my presence, I said how much it would gratify me, if I had again the opportunity of witnessing them in company with you who were so competent to observe & investigate - & judging from your answer that you would not object, provided the conditions of the seance interposed no obstacle to thorough scrutiny; I afterwards ascertained, that the Lady at whose house I had seen Mr Home, would facilitate your presence in every way; & I ventured to ask you as a gratification to myself, to accompany me - Your desire to comply, I heartily appreciate as a compliment to myself - but, I feel that under the circumstances I have alluded to: it is better for me to forego my wish; & with a grateful sense of your kindness I hasten to release you from one personal arrangement. In every communication that I had with Mr Homes friends on this matter, I had the amplest assurances that every facility, would have been afforded to you, for observation & the closest scrutiny[.]

Ever Faithfully | J. Emerson Tennent