As I shall have no time for reading during my hasty journey, I have left
the instructive book for a few days to Buelow’s, at Tegel.
97.
HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN.
BERLIN, THURSDAY, _September 4th, 1845_.
I avail myself of the first moments of my return from Potsdam to
joyfully congratulate you on the good effect of the waters on your
health. On account of the domestic misfortunes of my family, my
participation in the dull and rain-spoiled Court festivities at Bruehl
and Stolzenfels was a hard trial for me. I will acquaint Madame von
Buelow to-morrow with your hearty sympathy. Buelow’s recovery progresses
rapidly. Except some weakness of memory, which, however, does not appear
for whole days, no change of mind is perceptible; relaxation, however,
retirement, and tranquillity of mind are still necessary. Always
conscious of what he owes to his character he resigns. You know, my
noble friend, that he demanded his dismissal when Itzstein was violently
expelled from Prussia. Public affairs are now in a much worse condition.
Buelow’s retirement from office is a sad event; but the current of
affairs in Northern Germany is too strong to be arrested by the effort
of one individual.
Please inform Professor Fichte that although I am already an unworthy
Doctor of Philosophy, I will gratefully accept anything which may be
offered me from Wurtemberg’s high-spirited Universities.
Yours affectionately,
A. V. HUMBOLDT.
I enclose to your safe-keeping a beautiful letter of Prince Metternich,
on whom I had called on the Johannisberg; a letter from Lord Stanley,
the Minister; and two letters from Jules Janin and Spontini; also a book
for the Countess of Stolberg.
98.
METTERNICH TO HUMBOLDT.
VIENNA, _June 21st, 1845_.