“In the evening Humboldt sent me the work: ‘Russie, Allemagne et France,’ par M. Fournier, Paris, 1844, with a very amiable letter, inclosing eighteen precious autographs by Arago, Metternich, Peel, Stanley, Récamier, Balzac, Prescott, Brunel, Herschel, Bresson, Helene d’Orleans, Duchesse de Dino, and four confidential good-humored notes of the King. A brilliant present!”
76.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
Berlin, April 1st, 1844.
I have a mind, my noble friend, to impart some enjoyment to you to-night by a few insignificant gifts, accompanying the horrible Ruthenic venom beneath enclosed.[[37]] I know that I am personally flattered in all the inclosed letters with the exception of that from Solingen; but this cannot prevent my offering what may be interesting to you. You will find the following letter from
1. Lord Stanley, the present minister, to whom I had recommended the cousin of our Dieffenbach, the author of a highly commendable journey to New Zealand. This traveller was implicated in the rebellion at Frankfort, wherefore it was difficult to get him an engagement in Germany. If travelling were still a business of mine I could not desire a better companion.
2. The “Presumption” from Solingen.
3. A very interesting letter of Count Bresson, the ambassador of France, dated Feb. 6, 1839.
4. A very amiable letter from Arago, when I had dedicated him the “Examen de l’histoire de la géographie du 15 Siècle.” I don’t recollect having given you anything else of Arago.
5. A note written by the King, at a time when he assisted me in obtaining the pardon of young “demagogues.” The note refers to the prosecution of young Hoeninghaus, for whom my efforts were successful. The letter of the Crown-Prince shows a noble indignation against Kamptz and his accomplices.
6. A letter of the Duchess of Orleans.