]
motives which animated our leaders, and which deserve a place in the history of the times, as illustrating the character of the “Rebels” and “Traitors” who were moving spirits in our struggle.
A high courtesy from across the waters.
We have the pleasure of publishing below a very interesting correspondence between the
Grand Duke Constantine, Grand
Admiral of
Russia, and a distinguished citizen of our own State.
It will be read with pleasure and pride.
Pleasure, that so eminent a person in a distant empire should have paid such homage to science in the person of one of our own philosophers; and pride, that the flattering and generous proffer should have been so nobly responded to.
In the eyes of the wise and good, such respect as the
Grand Admiral has thus exhibited for learning, adds a grace to royalty, and sheds lustre upon diadems.
But this exhibition, we are informed, is only characteristic of him; for, of all the Princes of
Europe, the
Grand Duke of
Russia is by far the most renowned for enlightened, liberal and progressive sentiments.
There is, indeed, no government in the world which is doing more for the advancement of science than the
Russian Government is at this moment.
In everything that relates to the sea, the improvement of navigation or the navy, her Grand
Admiral is sure to be found where he ought to be, in the van, taking an enlightened and an active part.
His largesses to science are dispensed with a princely munificence.
A private letter has, we understand, been received from a member of his household explaining in detail the exact relations in which he desires
Lieutenant Maury to be placed towards the
Government of
Russia.
They are those of perfect freedom.
The pay and perquisites which he received in
Washington are to be repeated in
Russia without conditions.
Should he desire to renew there the researches which have been interrupted in
Washington, the most ample means and facilities for so doing are to be placed at his disposal; and should he at any time desire to return to
America, he will be perfectly at liberty to do so. Indeed, it is desired that he should occupy very much such a position in
Russia as
Humboldt did in
Prussia.
A most delicate and graceful compliment is this tb our fellow-citizen; like that precious quality that is “mightiest in the mightiest,” this invitation “blesseth him that gives and him that takes.”
The reply of
Lieutenant Maury is such as becomes the patriot.
His first duty is to his country.
When his native State is in danger and calls to him, he recognizes it as no time to seek ease and advantage in a distant land.
The wooings even of philosophy are, under such circumstances, less attractive than the rude thunderings