Humboldt, Alexander von (1769-1859) to James Madison [in French]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.173 Author/Creator: Humboldt, Alexander von (1769-1859) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 July 1814 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.9 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Mentions David Bailie Warden, American consul general in Paris. Also mentions Mr. de Lafayette (possibly the Marquis de Lafayette), and Berthollet (possibly Claude de Berthollet, a French chemist). Contains a cardboard strip attached to the end of the letter, possibly to keep the pages from separating. Docketed by Madison.
Friedrich Wilhelm Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt was a naturalist, geologist and explorer.
[draft translation]
Mister the President,
There is men of state that we always approach with confidence since we have had at one time the happiness of fixating their interest. Your Excellency has deigned to honor me with his high benevolence before she occupied a place in which she has displayed views so noble and so liberal. My name has not yet been erased from his memory. Each line of my work breathes the affectionate recognition that I hold towards the inhabitants of the New World this recognition is a title close to you. [2] I ask for again, Mister the President, Your protection for a friend who continues to be destined towards calumny. I speak to You of Mr. Warden, Consul general of the Unites States at Paris. Mr. De la Fayette, Mr Berthollet, a great number of people, respectable are voluntarily giving testimony for his principles, his sensitiveness and his frank and loyal character. We do not recognize here the type of charges that are held against him, but it would not be probable to us that a man who has a taste so decided for the sciences and who honors the nation within a civilized population, could be occupied with the tactlessness of monetary affairs! I [3] would assess myself happy if my voice [could] contribute to calming the resentment It is to you, Mr the President, to examine with your eyes. Whatever be the judgment that You hold Yourself, I will see it as just and impartial. Accept, I plead to You You and the amiable Misses Madison the homage of my high veneration and my respectful attachment.
Paris The Bn of humboldt
this 21 July
1814.
[docket]
Humboldt/ Baron
July 21, 1814
Baron Humboldt
July 1. 1814
[address leaf]
to His Excellency
Mister Madison, President
of the United States
Washintgon
on the part of Mr humboldt
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