Faraday to Austen Henry Layard1   After 18542

[Royal Institution embossed letterhead]

My dear Sir

I am too poor to add to [the] number of the deserving objects which I try to aid or I would help you[.] I can hardly keep all on my list that are there. I return the [word illegible] as an answer is desired[.]

I reply to your letter because of the deep respect I owe you but may I say that I think your authorities are not quite fair in requiring in your name an answer to a circular. I feel myself at perfect liberty & yet free from any discourtesy in declining to answer such requests. Otherwise I should have myself to use circulars to meet all the occasions[.]

Ever Truly Yours | M. Faraday

A.H. Layard Esqr M.P | &c &c &c


Endorsed: ?1861 Faraday

1
Austen Henry Layard (1817–1894, ODNB). Archaeologist and politician.
2
Date range based on the introduction of the Royal Institution’s embossed heading on its notepaper.

Please cite as “Faraday4683u,” in Ɛpsilon: The Michael Faraday Collection accessed on 2 May 2024, https://epsilon.ac.uk/view/faraday/letters/Faraday4683u