New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-04-26
An Interview with HumboIdt-His Letter 10
MIR. Heine.

~ ~~~SA1 phuJ M T. u CARhl Eh on Dis bClcahtA~
exploration Of the antiquities of Central Ameri'
ca. In order that be might overlook no advantage
TO be derived from such journey, he recently
Vrete 10 bis father, in Berlin, enclosing letter
Humboldt, IL which be asked Of tina. philosopher
to some Information in regard TO the subjects
most worthy Of notice, - be met with 10 his pro-
Jected tour. Mr. Heine has kindly furnished as
with an extract from his fathers letter, describing
his interview with Humboldt, together with q
copy of Humboldt's letter to himself We trans
late from the former the following passages,
which contain ar interesting description Of the
Nestor of scientific men.
81 found this great philosopher the most mia
bic old man whom have ever met-in one word
the irlend Of Man as Of Nature The mild, clear
eye, the friendly features surrounded With halo
OF silver hair, n ade apowertul impression on me-
and can1Ot now decide whether reverence or 40
instant affection for him. as the prevailing feel
ing IN my mind. He speaks very fast, yet dis
tncty; his voice is soft and winning, and bis
slightly bent stature scarcely betrsys the veteran
OF 81 years He invited me to sit with your
mother on the sofa, and drew a cane oh air famil-
iarly toward me. In answer 70 Z movement Of
mine he said re "never sat on sofas" will en-
desvor to recall his own words, as near as posi-
bic:
"'Pray do not interrupt me, for my time is
very limited; only answer me. Your son has
written me a charming letter, which has given
me great pleasure and fully Informs me about his
plans. | know Mr.. Squier and am already ae
qnainted with his undertaking. | have also
spoken to the King about it, and he is pleased
that q young German artist will oe Mr.. Squler
compaDion. Tue King has much respect for Mr.
Squier; but vas at first little assounded con-
corning his reports OF the monstrous dimensions
of the ancient American monuments. IL IS
therefore agreeable to His Majesty to find those
reports so thoroughly confirmed, and he takes no
less interest in the undertaking. than myself.
You cannot think how keenly everything inter
ests me- which is going on ia the great distance,
10 discoy er for new truths and beauties and
here HumbOl0ts clear eyes said plainly that he
would willingly be young again, TO do as he has
done, rs If he did not already wear enough OF
well earned hours. ] wish | could better des
cribe his dignifed and yet unpretending express
sion, which impressed me strongly with the pre-
sence of great man. The highest degree OF
perfection which Man can reach, said he, is
the knowledge Of what still remains for him
to achieve. | have arranged for your son, he
continued, what | wish him 10 do for me. But
wait a moment ] must write something more
With that he went into an adjoining room, and
soon returned with two volumes, smiling as he
said If want TO write well, mast write very
sloWly-yes yes, these 81 years
al asked whether he desired | should give him
further details, when | should again hear from
YOU 1T will give me pleasure, he answered,
TO hear them from your own lips but don't
write, for then should very likely hear nothing.
/ receive 5000 letters year how should read
them all ? Many must necessarily lie unread,
though this troubles me You cannot think how
many claims are made upon me- all OF which
am expected TO answer. See, here are notes
which got up at o'clock this morning to write.
This very day was obliged to pay a large amount
OF postage and for what A piece of embroidery,
which was expected to set up rs lottery for
charitable purpose Now the design Of this is
pI aiseW orthy, and therefore one must do the ia.
or-But / shall keep my promise and send to-
morrow a friendly letter TO your son. | most
heartily wish him fortunate result in Whatever
be undertakes ] reminded him Of your promise
concerning the palm blossoms. 'Ah, said he,
how can | describe them more infinitely Ii l
could go my self, would be better able TO do it
and again the longing for new activity and new
discovery RhOne in his eyes then left him bat
the half hour | spent in his company will elWays
remain one of the NEST delightful "Reminiscences
Of my life.
We also translate tho following letter from
HUMBOLDT to Mr. Heine:
AT a season when ] am unusually active and
preoccupied, my dear Herr Heine, | can only
thank YOU IL few words for your very friendly
letter. consider you fortunate that your talents
have met with a favorable opportunity to repre-
sent the grand scenes of the tropic world and the
venerable remains Of ancient culture. | recon-
mend 70 you the correct illustration of the vol
canic peaks as much more important than that OF
the pbysiognomy of tue vegetable world which
has already been enriched by the extensive aud
faithful sketches Of HugendGs, Edward Hide
brandt and Beermann. STILL those great lakes,
filed with islands must present many new fea'
lures of landscape painting. As regards the mon
uments lin Yuca.an, Guatemala aud Nicaragua
there is a great lack Of illustrations which pre-
serve the correct proportions. Your architectural
knowledge will enable you to supply this deh-
cheney
1.-THE eighth edition Of my folio work in three
parts Vue des COydtIkiTeS, will, ! think, be oil
most service 10 You You will find in it a multi
tude of views which may throw some light upon
what discoveries you make in the department oil
ornamental scul pture, with which all the ancient
edlfices OF the Aztecs the inhabitants of Yucatan
and the southern region adjoining the lsthmus,
are richly covered. Ia YucaEsn there is species
of pointed arch 10 be found, constructed however,
from series of overlapping stones, as In the old
Eevptian monuments. You may there be able 10
End sculptures of the Aztec calendar, traditions
of the four ages Of the world or the name W0tuD,
which seems 10 have some connection with that
of OdiD, and stands as authority for our division
Of the year.
81 rejoice ct your connection with AFR. SQUIER,
whom | beg you TO assure Of my particular re-
gard. since have 20 thank him for his admirable
researches among the enigmatical monuments OF
the United States. May you find that enjoyment
which must certainly crown your lsudaoIe spirit
OF enterprise HUMBOLDT
STRAW AND PAMELA SEwERs.-A large and
enthusiastic meeting wis held At Fountain Hall, on We'd
nesssy evening. Miss c. SroPFoRD in the Chair Miss
Roberts, the Secretary ard ne other oesrS present The
The minutes Of the s meeting were read and approved
Several Lew members were admitted Miss ordon one Of
The delegates TO Industrial Congress- gave an Interest
ing account OF that booy's proceedings TIE CommiEtee
appointed 1t The aE meeoE 10 drsn resolutions, pre-
scented the following, and which was unanlmouAy
EdOpted
Rtlglres That hire suitable a9arnsne and 20
the Co operative pnaePs % TIE DAY Of oeoss
R,oses Tsa,an persons snocysd the straw and Pamela
beoHe all TIE lt VI Oetoosf nsE y P.ynk
s5csrts lee m0nh sues and VA. on a-1 I A1
dAis re lee " d Be So. cues ID asnts ,o
R9irea Tsstth, Fdors Of tns sspsr' soey 70 A9o' o
h reoUe Ia nrfh f.ssar