18. The illustrious American historian, Prescott. In your hands all will be safe, even what I myself would destroy from wantonness. I entreat you, dear friend, not to tell anybody that I gave you the King’s notes, however insignificant they are. It would injure me.
With old veneration, yours,
A. von Humboldt.
Monday Evening.
77.
J. W. T. TO HUMBOLDT.
Höfgen, near Solingen, March 12th, 1844.
Your Excellency will not be offended at the liberty I take of writing you. Some time ago I read in the newspapers that somebody of Koenigsberg is said to have written you about secrets of nature, referring to photographs taken in the dark. I presume, therefore, that your Excellency is a naturalist and has friends who are likewise so. As I also have made important discoveries in secrets of nature, which my present business will not allow me to pursue, I wish to have an opportunity of speaking with you about them. Perhaps we can be useful to each other. I am perfectly willing to make the journey to Berlin, in order to see you. May it please your Excellency to write me as soon as possible at what time I can call on you at Berlin, if you have no objection to my visit.
In hope that you will favor me with an answer, I am, with due respect,
Your Excellency’s most obedient,
J. W. T.