NOTE BY HUMBOLDT.—Written to A. Humboldt on the occasion of a refusal to accept the class of peace of the order _pour le merite_. I had been commissioned to write to him, that it was not to interfere with his liberty in any degree, that he was never to wear the cross, but that a name so great and so beautiful as his must needs continue to grace the list of the knights. 115. THIERS TO HUMBOLDT. (FROM THE FRENCH.) PARIS, _August, 1845_. Sir,—I take the liberty of introducing a young Frenchman, full of talents, of acquirements, and of thirst for knowledge. He desires to become acquainted with Germany, and Berlin in particular. I thought I could not direct him better than to the illustrious who does the honors of Berlin to strangers. Permit me to recommend him in a very special manner. Mr. Thomas is my particular friend, and the friend of all your friends of Paris. Be pleased to receive in advance all my thanks for the reception you will kindly accord him, and to receive the assurance of my attachment and of my high consideration. A. THIERS. 116. THE PRINCESS OF CANINO, LUCIEN BONAPARTE’S WIDOW, TO HUMBOLDT. PARIS, _May, 1845_. I send you, M. le Baron, a copy of my refutation of M. Thiers, in regard to the passages of that historian which assail the memory of my husband. The esteem which you bore him, as well as that of your dear brother and your estimable sister-in-law, both, to me, of sweet and noble memory, leads me to hope that you will receive with interest this token of all the sentiments I possess for you, M. le Baron, and in which I beg you to believe me. Yours affectionately, THE PRINCESS OF CANINO, Widow Bonaparte Lucien. 117. DUCHESS HELENE D’ORLEANS TO HUMBOLDT. TUILERIES, _Feb. 12th, 1845_. I will not longer hold the treasure intrusted to my keeping, which was a source of great joy to me. Receive once more my sincerest thanks for this communication, and let me hope soon to find new material for thanks. You see, selfishness is unpardonably predominant in my character. Your Excellency’s affectionate HELENE. 118. DUCHESS HELENE D’ORLEANS TO HUMBOLDT. NEUILLY, _May 12th, 1845_.