Humboldt's Letters. 287 



the merit of liberal sentiment and faithfulness, has also 

 pleased you in regard to form. As a sign of gratitude, 

 I send you for your collection of autographs a document 

 not unimportant on account of the political situation 

 June, 1848. The other papers, which contain the sub- 

 lunar miserabilities of the disagreement,* which, alas ! 

 has become public, I beg you to return hereafter. 



Everything noble is drawn down in the mud. I was 

 compelled to write a few lines in answer. I live in 

 a monotonous and sad mood et mourant, avant le 

 principe. 



With old fidelity, yours, A. v. HUMBOLDT. 



I shall certainly make my appearance on Monday in 

 a wedding garment. 



157. 



AKAGO TO HUMBOLDT. 



PARIS, June 3d, 1848. 

 MY DEAR AND ILLUSTRIOUS FRIEND : 



MY son has left for Berlin a few days ago, in the 

 capacity of Minister Plenipotentiary. He quitted me 

 animated with the best of sentiments, with the most 



* Mona Mathieu had protested against the statement on the title- 

 page, that Mons. Barral was appointed editor by the author. 



