86.
PRESCOTT TO HUMBOLDT.
BOSTON, _Dec. 23d, 1843_.
SIR—A book on which I have been engaged for some years, the History of
the Conquest of Mexico, is now published in this country, as it was some
few weeks since in England; and I have the pleasure to request your
acceptance of a copy which sails for that purpose from New York in
January. Although the main subject of the work is the conquest by the
Spaniards, I have devoted half a volume to a view of the Aztec
civilisation; and as in this shadowy field I have been very often guided
by the light of your researches, I feel especially indebted to you, and
am most desirous that the manner in which my own investigation is
conducted may receive your approbation. It will indeed be one of the
best and most satisfactory results of my labors.
As I have been supplied with a large body of unpublished and original
documents for the Peruvian conquest, I shall occupy myself with this
immediately. But I feel a great want at the outset of your friendly hand
to aid me. For although your great work—the _Atlas Pittoresque_—sheds
much light on scattered points, yet as your _Voyage aux régions
equinoxiales_ stops short of Peru, I shall have to grope my way along
through the greater part without the master’s hand, which, in the
_Nouvelle Espagne_, led me on so securely.
The Peruvian subject will, I think, occupy less time and space than the
Mexican, and when it is finished I propose to devote myself to a history
of the Reign of Philip the Second. For this last I have been long
amassing materials, and a learned Spaniard has explored for me the
various collections, public and private, in England, Belgium, France,
and is now at work for me in Spain. In Ranke’s excellent history:
“_Fürsten und Völker von Süd-Europa_,” I find an enumeration of several
important MSS., chiefly Venetian relations, of which I am very desirous
to obtain copies. They are for the most part in the Royal Library of
Berlin, and some few in that of Gotha. I have written to our Minister,
Mr. Wheaton, to request him to make some arrangements, if he can, for my
effecting this. The liberal principles on which literary institutions
are conducted in Prussia, and the facilities given to men of letters,
together with the known courtesy of the German character, lead me to
anticipate no obstacles to the execution of my desires. Should there be
any, however, you will confer great favor on me by giving your
countenance to my applications.
I trust this will not appear too presumptuous a request on my part.
Although I have not the honor of being personally known to you, yet the
kind messages I have received from you, and lately through Professor
Tellkampf, convince me that my former publication was not unwelcome to
you, and that you may feel an interest in my future historical labours.
I pray you, my dear Sir, to accept the assurance of the very high
respect with which I have the honor to be
Your very obedient servant,
WM. H. PRESCOTT.
87.
MADAME DE RÉCAMIER TO HUMBOLDT.
PARIS, _July 28th, 1843_.
I find no words, dear Sir, to tell you how deeply your letter has
affected me. You have spared me the horror of suddenly learning through
the papers the painful and unexpected news. Although very much afflicted
and suffering I will not lose a moment in expressing my thanks. You are
aware, dear Sir, that I had not seen for many years the Prince Augustus.
I received, however, continually, evidences of his remembrance. It was
at the most unhappy time of his life that I made his acquaintance at
Madame de Staël’s, where he encountered so much generous sympathy. Alas!
of that brilliant and spirited circle at the Chateau Coppet, he was the
only survivor. There now remains to me no other souvenir of my youth and
my past than the beautiful “tableau de Corinne,” the noble and affecting
sentiments of which have cheered and adorned my retirement. I have not
the courage, Sir, to prolong this letter, and to answer the interesting
details with which yours concludes. Allow me to speak to-day only of my
sorrow, of my gratitude, and my admiration.