"The undersigned therefore hopes that, after a careful examination of
the accompanying papers, from which it would seem to be admitted that
Miss Mitchell, of the United States, is entitled to the honor of first
discovering the telescopic comet bearing her name, your Majesty will not
be able to perceive in that commendable delicacy which forbade her
hastily seeking public notoriety a sufficient motive for withholding
from her the reward of her eminent discovery; but, on the contrary, will
direct the medal to be awarded to her, not only as a suitable
encouragement to her distinguished scientific attainments, but also as
evincing your Majesty's appreciation of that beautiful virtue which
withheld her from rushing into public and scientific renown merely to
comply with a purely technical condition.
"The undersigned, American charge d'affaires, gladly improves this very
pleasant occasion to tender to your Majesty the expression of his high
and most distinguished consideration.
[Signed] "R. P. FLENIKEN.
"To his Majesty FREDERIC VII., King of Denmark, Duke of Schleswig and
Holstein."
* * * * *
THE COUNT DE KNUTH TO MR. FLENIKEN.
"Copenhague, ce 6 Octobre, 1848.
"MONSIEUR: J'ai eu l'honneur de recevoir votre office du 6 du passe, par
lequel vous avez exprime le desir que la medaille instituee par feu le
Roi Frederic VI., en recompense de la decouverte de cometes
telescopiques, fut accordee a Mlle.
Pages:
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307