6/7/69
It is very kind of you, dear Miss Henderson, to bear my birthday in such friendly remembrance. Let me thank you for all your good wishes, the highest of which are to be worthy of the esteem of the just, to maintain strenght for work and to finish my great literary labors.
Let me also hope that your health is firm and that you enjoy fully your prosperous independence. Your stay in town will give you the opportunity for much pleasures.
Through the grace of the Wuertembergian King I have certainly been raised to a rank which adds to my name;1 but while I gratefully acknowledge the condescending kindness of his Majesty, I feel that these mortal elevations render me not to that degree happy at my advancing age, as in former years.
I shall always value the little picture you so considerately sent.2
Pray give to Mrs & Mr M'Haffie the expression of my full respect.
With best wishes
Ferd. von Mueller.
Please cite as “FVM-69-07-06,” in Correspondence of Ferdinand von Mueller, edited by R.W. Home, Thomas A. Darragh, A.M. Lucas, Sara Maroske, D.M. Sinkora†, J.H. Voigt† and Monika Wells accessed on