I recd. in due time your letter of the 14th. ult: which not requiring an immediate answer, I yielded the more readily to other claims on my attention. I inclose you a few lines which will make you known to Baron Humboldt, the only personal acquaintance, within the scope of your request, and since the deaths of Mr Lay & Mr. Bentham, I have no epistolary ones that would be so. You will not I am persuaded find any difficulty in supplying the deficiency on my part. I wish you Sir a safe voyage in crossing the Atlantic and every anticipated gratification on the other side of it. Mrs. M. joins me in the salutations to Mrs. Hoffman & yourself which I pray may be accepted