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.
Mr. Gottfried H., merchant at Berlin, can give you information, if
required, as to my standing and character.
NOTE OF HUMBOLDT.—The presumption of the writer, arising from the
perusal of a newspaper, that I might be a naturalist, is a fact. I
am guilty of having published some books on Natural History as early
as 1789.
78.
COUNT BRESSON, FRENCH AMBASSADOR, TO HUMBOLDT.
BERLIN, _February 6th, 1839_.
DEAR EXCELLENCY,—I am happy to be able to send you to-day an article
worthier of you than that of yesterday. Keep this number “_Des Débats._”
I do not file them.
The remark of Mr. M. V. L—— on the “Nescio quis _Plutarchus_” is
puerile. Besides, excepting this, his article is inspired by a just
appreciation of your glory, which is ours as well, and which we claim as
such.
Pray, dear Excellency, receive my affectionate and respectful homage.