8 ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT. 



barrassment in which my brother and myself are at present in- 

 volved may be procured. We have the sum of 95,000 Prussian 

 thalers on mortgage in the Grand-Duchy of Warsaw. By the law- 

 passed on the 6th of January, 1809, we are interdicted for an in- 

 definite period from the use either of the capital or the interest. 

 Part of the capital is held in my name, and part in that of 

 my brother. By a decree of the 14th of March, 1 809, His Majesty 

 exempted a portion of my capital, amounting to 33,000 thalers, 

 on a mortgage at Bodzewie, in the Department of Posen, from 

 the operation of this law ; but the war has prevented me from 

 reaping the advantage of this considerate act, and for three 

 years I have received no interest. I appeal to your Excellency 

 whether I might not venture, on the eve of the King's de- 

 parture from Paris, to present a petition requesting a com- 

 plete exemption for the entire capital, whether held in my name 

 or in that of my brother ? Should this favour be granted, 

 it will be only necessary for me to receive a recommendation 

 from your Excellency to put me again in possession of the 

 interest. As a preparatory step, I have introduced in my 

 letter to His Majesty the expression fri that my brother and 

 myself might possibly be compelled once more to solicit his 

 favour." One word from your Excellency to the King will 

 greatly facilitate my wishes. Count Marcolini has always shown 

 me great consideration, but I think he would hardly like to 

 interfere in private affairs. I venture to appeal to your kindness, 

 because I know the generous sentiments with which you have 

 invariably honoured me. This unfortunate sequestration of my 

 property is the greatest hindrance I have to the publication of 

 my works. 



6 May I beg you to receive the assurances of the profound 

 respect with which I subscribe myself your devoted servant, 



c HUMBOLDT. 



'Paris: Kue dela Yieille Estrapade, No. 11. 

 'November 16th, 1809.' 



This letter l is probably addressed to Baron von Forell, 



1 This letter is preserved in the Royal Archives at Dresden. The list 

 of personages accompanying King Frederick Augustus to Paris was ob- 

 tained from the office of the court marshal. EDITOR. 



