Humboldt's Letters. 253 



137. 



METTERN1CH TO HUMBOLDT. 

 (FBOM THE FBENCH.) 



RICHMOND, Sep. 17ft, 1849. 

 MY DEAR BARON: 



I SEE by to-day's papers that the 9th of September, 

 1769, gave you to the world, and that thus you have just 

 celebrated your eightieth birth-day. Had I been near 

 you I would have joined your friends in offering my good 

 wishes ; at the distance which separates us, I approach 

 you alone. Let me say in a few words that I render 

 thanks to the giver of the faculties which have rendered 

 your name imperishable. To be born is of little account ; 

 to make life valuable is excellent. You are numbered 

 among the richest, and you have made a noble use of 

 your moral fortune. May God preserve you in safety 

 and in health ! 



Receive, my dear Baron, with the expression of a 

 congratulation of which you do not doubt the sincerity, 

 that of my sentiments of devotion and friendship, of a 

 date as ancient as all that has a place between us ! 



METTERNICH. 



