Life of Cotint Rumford. 347 



pleasure in contemplating, even at this great distance, the fruits 

 of their meritorious exertions ; and shall feel no small degree of 

 pride in seeing myself enrolled in the same list with those gen- 

 erous benefactors of future generations whose names will go down 

 to posterity with the treasures they are collecting. 



" There are few things that could afford me so much heart- 

 felt satisfaction as to be able to avail myself of the kind invita- 

 tion of the Society to come and take my place among them. I 

 have ever loved my native country with the fondest affection ; 

 and the liberality I have experienced from my Countrymen 

 their moderation in success, and their consummate prudence in 

 the use of their Independence, have attached me to them by all 

 the ties of Gratitude, Esteem, and Admiration. 



" Requesting that you, Sir, would accept my thanks for the 

 flattering manner in which you have conveyed to me the Reso- 

 lution of the Society, I have the honor to be, with sincere 

 Regard and Esteem, 



" Your much obliged and most obedient Servant, 



"RUMFORD. 



"MUNICH, 22 April, 1798. 



" The REV. JEREMY BELKNAP, D.D., Secretary to 

 the Massachusetts Historical Society." 



Another yet more gratifying recognition of the fact 

 that whatever of reproach had rested on his name in 

 his native country was now removed, was received by 

 Count Rumford at this time. The representation 

 generally made in the various biographical sketches of 

 him following the statement first put in print by 

 Pictet is that he was solicited by the government 

 of the United States to return here, and that the re- 

 quest was accompanied by the offer of a place in its pay 

 and service. Thus Pictet, whom we must regard as 



' O 



relating the communication made to him by his friend, 

 says : 



