Of all the letters received on the occasion of my accession to the
throne, none has afforded me so sensible a pleasure as that which you
addressed me under the date of the 17th of December last.
Your remembrance is of the highest value to me, and I recall with the
greatest interest, Monsieur le Baron, our conversations many years ago
at Paris. Since that time you have enriched science by new discoveries.
Siberia, explored by you, as you before explored America, offers to
natural science new views for which, Monsieur le Baron, it is entirely
indebted to you. Really—I shall be happy at some future day to converse
with you on these new researches.
The natural sciences are constantly presenting fresh interest, and I
shall certainly not neglect to do everything that depends upon me for
their advancement.
The astronomical and geodesical labors of your distinguished friend
Schumacher, certainly deserve my patronage. He has acquired a European
name as a savan, and I appreciate his rare merits. As to the magnetic
observations after the method of Gauss—I am occupied in amplifying them
here at Copenhagen, where an observatory, established since 1834 near
the Polytechnic School, is about to be removed to a more suitable place
on the outskirts of the city. It will be provided with two different
“emplacements,” one for “observations on declination,” and another for
experiments in “inclination.” The establishment will be under the
superintendence of the celebrated Oersted.
I esteem myself happy, my dear Baron, in being able to speak to you of
the advancement of natural science in my own country, and you must
consider it a proof that I shall not neglect any occasion of justifying
the good opinion you entertain of my interest in the sciences and in
everything which can tend to the enlightenment and happiness of my
subjects.
I hope, Monsieur le Baron, that you will frequently find leisure to
communicate with me, and I shall endeavor, upon my own part, to
cultivate relations so agreeable to myself.
The Queen charges me with her compliments to you, and I embrace the
occasion of assuring you of my highest consideration, Monsieur le Baron
Humboldt.
Your most affectionate,
CHRISTIAN.
45.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
SATURDAY, _April 11th, 1840_.
The Crown-Prince would like very much to see that interesting letter of
Prince Metternich to you. Could not you send it to me before half-past
seven o’clock to-night, my dear friend?