Humboldt's Letters. 



171 



richest enjoyment. I learn, and I love to learn, and I 

 feel no jealousy of your great erudition. 



What I most admire in your work is " the method." 

 You understand tracing a line without ever losing sight 

 of it, and therefore you arrive safely at the end 

 which is not always the good fortune of those who start 

 well enough upon the road. Please send me the volumes 

 complete I shall receive them with gratitude. 



I pray you, dear Baron, accept the assurance of my 

 highest consideration and old attachment, 



MKTTEKNICH. 



se. 



PRESCOTT TO HUMBOLDT. 



BOSTON, Dec. 23d, 1843. 



SIB A book on which I have been engaged for some 

 years, the History of the Conquest of Mexico, is now 

 published in this country, as it was some few weeks 

 since in England; and I have the pleasure to request 

 your acceptance of a copy which sails for that purpose 

 from New York in January. Although the main sub- 

 ject of the work is the conquest by the Spaniards, I 

 have devoted half a volume to a view of the Aztec 

 civilisation; and as in this shadowy field I have been 



