To Baron W. von Humboldt
[Jan.y 21. 1828.]
Sir –
I beg permission to introduce to you one of my young countrymen, Mr J. Burton
Harrison, who is about visiting Europe, with the
hihghly laudable desire of improving himself in ancient &
modern learning.
With that view, he is desirous of seeing the eminent men whose science and
literature have conferred a lasting honour upon the present age; and among those
illustrious men your name has been too conspicuous, both in Europe &
America, to be overlooked.
Mr Harrison
comes recommended to me by friends of the highest authority; and among these I
may be allowed to mention my friend Mr Ticknor, of this city, who travelled in Europe a few years ago & who
while in Rome had the honour of frequently
seeing Madame de Humboldt during her residence
there. If it should happen that I have been too ready to gratify the very
natural wishes of <an American, in giving> him this letter to you, I hope
you will find an apology in the motive which prompted it.
Boston, United States of America,
Jan.y 21, 1828.