EAELY HOME. 23 



that he used to spend the ' morning hours ' in walking about 

 the garden in company with the two brothers, and, while en- 

 gaged in friendly intercourse, discoursing to them valuable 

 lessons in philanthropy and philosophy. Ample proof, how- 

 ever, exists that intercourse of a similarly instructive character 

 was maintained between the Humboldts and David Friedlander, 

 since several letters are still extant that were addressed to 

 him by the two brothers. Upon his death on December 25, 

 1834, his eldest son, Benoni Friedlander, received the following 

 expressions of condolence from Alexander and William von 

 Humboldt : 



' Berlin : December 27, 1834. 



' . . . . The attractive image of your noble and intellectual 

 father is distinguishable among the earliest and most grateful 

 reminiscences of my youth. The marked kindness which he 

 invariably showed me enhances the pleasure of these recollec- 

 tions : for to your lamented father I am indebted for much 

 valuable influence In my education and in the direction of my 

 thoughts and feelings. He was, with Engel, the constant friend 

 of our house. He possessed an extensive knowledge of anti- 

 quity, a love of speculative philosophy, a delicate and correct 

 taste for the beauties of poetry, and considerable ability in 

 solving, by the wonderful flexibility of our language, the difficult 

 problem of translating from the sacred tongues ; to these in- 

 tellectual gifts of a high order were united the most liberal 

 opinions upon the political events of the day, and the most 

 sincere and devoted affection towards his oppressed people. 

 His long, happy, and successful life has closed within the 

 circle of his family, who could well appreciate the value of his 

 intellectual worth, since through him they have been fashioned 

 into a similar mould. 



lor Klein. The marginal notes commenting upon the work, for the most 

 part in praise, but occasionally in refutation, are in Klein's handwriting. 

 I cannot but wish that this manuscript, not meant for publication, may fall 

 into the hands of those who will know how to appreciate the philosophical 

 jurisprudence contained in this youthful production of William vcn Hum- 

 boldt. 



' Berlin : February 1854.' 



