The slavery question is becoming more alarming from day to day. While the House of Representatives refuse to appropriate moneys for the support of the army, news is daily coming in from Kansas of bloody conflicts between the free-soilers and the slaveholders. It is hoped, however, that after the presidential election (in November), domestic peace will be restored. The unwholesome climate in Washington has driven me out for a few days, as the heat was intolerable last month, and now the fever and ague begins. I am going to Albany to-day, to attend the meeting of naturalists to which I have been invited. I expect to meet a number of savans of distinction there, and to report the details to your Excellency hereafter. Mr. Heine is very much delighted with the expression of your Excellency in his favor. Mr. C—— and the _beau monde_ have retreated to the mountains and the sea-baths long ago, and I shall not see him for three or four weeks to come. Mr. Fillmore would be the best President; but he appears to have little hope of succeeding against Fremont and Buchanan; and the Knownothings have lost all credit. My poor wife and children are counting the hours which must elapse before my return, and I am not less anxious to find all that is dear to me again in the country of my home, next year, at the close of the Congress. The approaching departure of the mail for England compels me to close this letter, which I do with the most heartfelt wishes for your Excellency’s continued well-being. With immutable reverence and affection, I remain your Excellency’s most devoted GEROLT. 178. VARNHAGEN TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, _September 13th, 1856_. The great influence of the name of your Excellency in the United States, as in America in general, is a gratifying sign of the improvement of those countries in civilization, and a sure pledge of the ultimate triumph of the philanthropic principles which you have consistently advocated through the course of a long and eventful life. I thank you heartily for the letter of M. v. Gerolt, and its printed inclosure, which will be a valuable addition to my collections. At this moment, it is true, the chances of Fremont are a little doubtful; nevertheless the latest accounts represent the zeal of his supporters as very great and by no means hopeless.