23rd Jan. 1858
My dear Mrs. Pollock
How kind it is of you to write to me1 thus. I do not think that I am a candidate for popular applause but the warm, truthful commendation of a friend commends itself with inexpressible sweetness to my heart. I thank you for your note. It is precious to me—not so much for the assurance it conveys that the lecture2 was a success (which I still doubt) as for the spirit of goodness which prompted you to write it. Of course I know you are sincere—I defy you to be otherwise with me or any body else. The gods made you sincere, and it is to them I return thanks for the happiness which the friendship of you & yours has ever given me.
most sincerely yours | John Tyndall
RI MS JT/1/T/1131
RI MS JT/1/TYP/6/1930
Please cite as “Tyndall1487,” in Ɛpsilon: The John Tyndall Collection accessed on