NOTE BY HUMBOLDT.—Written to A. Humboldt on the occasion of a refusal
to accept the class of peace of the order _pour le merite_. I had
been commissioned to write to him, that it was not to interfere with
his liberty in any degree, that he was never to wear the cross, but
that a name so great and so beautiful as his must needs continue to
grace the list of the knights.
115.
THIERS TO HUMBOLDT.
(FROM THE FRENCH.)
PARIS, _August, 1845_.
Sir,—I take the liberty of introducing a young Frenchman, full of
talents, of acquirements, and of thirst for knowledge. He desires to
become acquainted with Germany, and Berlin in particular. I thought I
could not direct him better than to the illustrious who does the honors
of Berlin to strangers. Permit me to recommend him in a very special
manner. Mr. Thomas is my particular friend, and the friend of all your
friends of Paris. Be pleased to receive in advance all my thanks for the
reception you will kindly accord him, and to receive the assurance of my
attachment and of my high consideration.