Humboldt's Letters. 237 



the way of the River Magdalena, Santa Fe, Popajan, 

 Quito. . . . 



I hope we shall arrive in June or early in July at the city 

 of Quito, where I will wait for the news of your arrival 

 at Lima. Have the kindness to write me a line, directed 

 in Spanish, " al Sr. Baron de Humboldt, Quito ; casa del 

 Sr. Governador Baron de Carondelet." In case I should 

 hear nothing from you, my respected friend, I intend to 

 visit Chimborasso, Losca, . . . till November, 1801, and 

 to come down in December or January, 1802, with my 

 instruments, to Lima. You will perceive from all this, 

 my revered friend, that the heat of the tropics has not 

 made me sluggish, and that I am afraid of no sacrifice 

 where useful and bold enterprises are to be prosecuted. 

 I have told you now frankly what I want from you. 

 I know that I ask more from you than I can return ; it 

 may also be that particular circumstances may prevent 

 your taking us on board of your vessel. ... In that 

 case, my letter may embarrass you, the more, perhaps, 

 since you honor me with your friendship. I beg you, 

 therefore, to write to me frankly. I shall always be 

 glad to have seen you once more, and shall never com- 

 plain of circumstances, which often govern us in spite of 

 ourselves and our wishes. Your frankness will be the 

 highest proof of your regard for me. I should then 

 continue on my route from Lima to Acapulco, Mexico, 

 the Philippines, Surato, Bassora, Palestine, Marseilles. 



