The Grand Duke, whom you escaped, sends much love. He has curious theories, probably imbibed somewhere or other (Bœotia was near to ancient Attica), and misunderstood. There are two classes of sculptors, the one inferior, to which Rauch inclines, and which works _inward from without_, while the better (represented by Rietschel) works _outward from within_. But what an exposure. Philarète Chasles in the “Journal des Debats!” I wrote to Paris: “Vulgaire dans les idées comme dans les formes des langage, indigne d’un litterateur du Collége de France.” 173. HUMBOLDT TO VARNHAGEN. BERLIN, _Thursday, Feb. 7th, 1856_. As it would be impossible that you, dear friend, should not have seen the new book by Montalembert (the friend and companion of the Abbé Lammenais on his journey to Rome), I hope to give you a little pleasure by offering you the King’s copy for a few days (five or six). The only thing racy in it is the conclusion, levelled at the present state of affairs in France, p. 284 to 298. I wish it were possible to have the whole of it translated and published in Germany. Most gratefully yours, A. V. HUMBOLDT. How is our excellent Dora doing? I had a patriarchal time yesterday until seven o’clock, at Potsdam, at a christening of a child of a very handsome and accomplished daughter of my Siberian waiting-man’s, Seifert, who,[79] a traveller named Moellhausen, who, at Baron Gerolt’s and my recommendation, accompanied the great exploring expedition of Captain Whipple, of San Luis, San Francisco, and Panama, in the capacity of topographer and draughtsman for the American Government. It is about a year since the King appointed young Moellhausen custodian of the palace library at Potsdam. An excellent article by Laboulaye, on the domestic Institution, and the flagitious Pierce’s extension of the outrage upon territory, hitherto free, met my eye yesterday in the “Journal des Débats,” of the 5th of February, I believe! Keep the very commonplace verses “Oh, Gentle Jlm.” 174. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, _March 14th, 1856_.