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LXXXVI. 



PRESCOTT TO HUMBOLDT. 



Boston, Dec. 23rd, 1843. 



Sir, A book on which I have been engaged for 

 some years, the " History of the Conquest of Mexico," 

 is now published in this country, as it was some few 

 weeks since in England ; and I have the pleasure to 

 request your acceptance of a copy, which will be sent 

 by way of Hamburg, through the house of Grossler, by 

 the first packet, which sails for that port from ISTew 

 York in January. Although the main subject of the 

 work is the Conquest by the Spaniards, I have devoted 

 half a volume to a view of the Aztec civilization ; and 

 as in this shadowy field I have been very often guided 

 by the light of your researches, I feel especially in- 

 debted to you, and am most desirous that the manner 

 in which my own investigation is conducted may 

 receive your approbation. It will indeed be one of the 

 best and most satisfactory results of my labours. 



As I have been supplied with a large body of unpub- 

 lished and original documents for the Peruvian con- 

 quest, I shall occupy myself with this immediately. 

 But I feel a great want at the outset of your friendly 

 hand to aid me. For although your great work, the 

 " Atlas Pittoresque," sheds much light on scattered 

 points, yet as your " Voyage aux Regions Equinox- 

 iales" stops short of Peru, I shall have to grope my 

 way along through the greater part without the 

 master's hand which in the " Nouvelle Espagne r> led 

 me on so securely. 



The Peruvian subject will, I think, occupy less time 

 and space than the Mexican, and when it is finished I 



