219.
PRINCE NAPOLEON, SON OF JEROME, TO HUMBOLDT.
PARIS, _Oct. 13th, 1857_.
MONSIEUR LE BARON,—Mons. Mariette sent to me, only a few days ago, your
letter of July, in which you speak of Dr. Brugsch, and of his having
sent me a Demotic Grammar, which I have not yet received. I mention
this, so that you cannot accuse me of negligence in answering you.
To-day I do not feel the courage in me to speak to you even of science.
Your heart and your mind must be much afflicted by the sickness of your
sovereign and friend, who causes us great sorrow. I say us, because the
few days which I passed at Berlin made me appreciate the eminent
qualities of the King, and attached me very much to him. May God
preserve his life! I wish it from my heart.
Receive, Monsieur le Baron, the assurance of my high esteem.