Alexander Von Humboldt (1769 -1859) signed note on envelope with wax seal on reverse. Humboldt was a Prussian polymath, geographer, naturalist, explorer, and namesake of the University in Berlin, the California County, and a portion of the Redwoods State Park. His signature is clearly included at the left, and the note (in Humboldt's hand) reads loosely "Monsiuer Hannegan Esq., Envoye extr. des Etats Unis d' Amerique" and continues. Edward Allen "Ned" Hannegan (1807 - 1859) was appointed by President James K. Polk to United States Minister to Prussia March 29, 1849 and served 1849–1850. The Queen consort of King Frederick William IV became infatuated with Hannegan, and during a court function, Hannegan broke custom and kissed the hand of the queen. Irate and possibly jealous, King Frederick Wilhelm IV requested that Hannegan be recalled. From the Francis Hopkinson Family Archives