Your Excellency will not be offended at the liberty I take of writing you. Some time ago I read in the newspapers that somebody of Koenigsberg is said to have written you about secrets of nature, referring to photographs taken in the dark. I presume, therefore, that your Excellency is a naturalist and has friends who are likewise so. As I also have made important discoveries in secrets of nature, which my present business will not allow me to pursue, I wish to have an opportunity of speaking with you about them. Perhaps we can be useful to each other. I am perfectly willing to make the journey to Berlin, in order to see you. May it please your Excellency to write me as soon as possible at what time I can call on you at Berlin, if you have no objection to my visit. In hope that you will favor me with an answer, I am, with due respect, Your Excellency’s most obedient, J. W. T. Mr. Gottfried H., merchant at Berlin, can give you information, if required, as to my standing and character. NOTE OF HUMBOLDT.—The presumption of the writer, arising from the perusal of a newspaper, that I might be a naturalist, is a fact. I am guilty of having published some books on Natural History as early as 1789. 78. COUNT BRESSON, FRENCH AMBASSADOR, TO HUMBOLDT. BERLIN, _February 6th, 1839_. DEAR EXCELLENCY,—I am happy to be able to send you to-day an article worthier of you than that of yesterday. Keep this number “_Des Débats._” I do not file them. The remark of Mr. M. V. L—— on the “Nescio quis _Plutarchus_” is puerile. Besides, excepting this, his article is inspired by a just appreciation of your glory, which is ours as well, and which we claim as such. Pray, dear Excellency, receive my affectionate and respectful homage. BRESSON. P. S.—I had just finished this note when yours of this morning reached me. I shall keep it all my life, as well for its being a true historical monument, as for the precious title of friend which you deign to give me. It is true, alas! we shall see, if God grants us life, a great many things; but may it be His will that we shall never see again events like those which have already swept over our country, by sapping the power of the King. Yet the Coalition works in this direction with all its might. It is a fit of madness which reminds me of 1791. These plotters are Girondists in embryo, whom we would have loved; and they will be the first to be buried under the ruins of the edifice which they are undermining.