186 LOUIS AGASSIZ, 



In the agitation of the moment the letter 

 was not even signed. 



The following note from Hnmboldt to Mme. 

 Agassiz, kept by her as a precious possession, 

 shows that in answer to her son's appeal his 

 mother took her courage, as the French say- 

 ing is, " with both hands," and wrote as she 

 was desired. 



FROM HUMBOLDT TO MME. AGASSIZ. 



Paris, April 11, 1832. 

 I should scold your son, Madame, for hav- 

 ing spoken to you of the sHght mark of inter- 

 est I have been able to show him ; and yet, 

 how can I complain of a letter so touching, so 

 noble in sentiment, as the one I have just re- 

 ceived from your hand. Accept my warmest 

 thanks for it. How happy you are to have 

 a son so distinguished by his talents, by the 

 variety and solidity of his acquirements, and, 

 withal, as modest as if he knew nothing, — 

 in these days, too, when youth is generally 

 characterized by a cold and scornful amour- 

 propre. One might well despair of the world 

 if a person like your son, with information so 

 substantial and manners so sweet and prepos- 

 sessing, should fail to make his way. I ap- 

 prove highly the Neuchatel plan, and hope, 



