326 Humboldt's Letters. 



York Herald" and the " Courrier des. Etats Unis"), 

 containing your publication on the subject of slavery in 

 Cuba, as well as the excuse published by Mr. Thrasher, 

 which is, it must be confessed, exceedingly lame. 



The affair has excited great attention here, and could 

 not but be welcome to the opponents of slavery, who 

 have made Fremont their candidate. 



Some days ago, his German supporters, many thou- 

 sands in number, held a mass meeting in his support, 

 and honored him with a splendid torch-light procession 

 in the evening. 



The slavery question is becoming more alarming from 

 day to day. While the House of Representatives 

 refuse to appropriate moneys for the support of the 

 army, news is daily coming in from Kansas of bloody 

 conflicts between the free-soilers and the slaveholders. 

 It is hoped, however, that after the presidential election 

 (in November), domestic peace will be restored. 



The unwholesome climate in Washington has driven 

 me out for a few days, as the heat was intolerable last 

 month, and now the fever and ague begins. 



I am going to Albany to-day, to attend the meeting 

 of naturalists to which I have been invited. I expect 

 to meet a number of savans of distinction there, and to 

 report the details to your Excellency hereafter. 



Mr. Heine is very much delighted with the expression 

 of your Excellency in his favor. 



