Faraday to William Pigott   9 March 1865¹

My dear Sir

I send you this letter² & report because it gives me the occasion to ask whether you can release me from the duty of analyzing the preparations of lead which have become heavy & press upon my brain. I think it was about 1850³ when I first took the duty upon me though it had nothing in common with those related to the optical or electric lights. I never ventured to assume my special knowledge of the article manufactured other than that given by the amount of adulteration which in certain cases appeared at the first now that these fraudulent practices are checked & that years tell upon my memory & faculties I should be glad to be spared the pressure of analysis upon my mind seeing that its processes are just those which weary me and throw the thoughts back upon themselves & into confusion & I feel the less hesitation in speaking of these matters because I think that they formed no part of the thoughts which were in mind when The Trinity house did me the great honour to engage me; but if I am mistaken I beg to place these duties in your hands feeling that as time proceeds I am no longer fit for them and should retire from the responsibility[.]

I am My dear Sir | Your very faithful Servant [no name]

The Deputy Master | &c &c &c | Trinity House