From
March 8th 1862
To
May 14th 1862
What Negroes can Do. -- Mrs. Margaret Stanley,
widow of the late Bias Stanley, died this week, leav-
ing her property for benevolent purposes. Her hus-
band died a few years ago, leaving two houses in
College street and one in Dwight street, the income
of the same, after the death of his widow, to be ap-
plied for the support of the Gospel, and for educa-
ational purposes among the colored people of New
Haven. Henry White, John G. North, and Atwater
Treat are the Trustees to manage and appropriate
the same. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley were slaves until
they were forty years of age, and upon obtaining their
freedom began a life of industry and economy, which
in the progress of their lives enabled them to obtain
a good living and to amass a little fortune, exceeding
$6,000. The were both members of the Temple-
street Congregational church, and died in the full
hope of a blessed inheritance above. -- New Haven
Journal
Baron Ricasoli left office (writes our Turin
correspondent) precisely as Sergeant Bothwell
departed this life -- "always astride his fore-
fathers." The King spoke with great benig-
nity at parting, and shook hands with him,
saying that "he was sure they would always
be friends." "My friendship for your Ma-
jesty," answered the Medieval Baron, "will
always increase in proportion to your exer-
tions for the accomplishment of the great
Italian redemption." -- (Times.)
THE "SATURDAY REVIEW" AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS.
The chief of the political department -- the gentle-
man who does the "heavy business" on the South-
ampton-street stage -- is Mr. G. S. Venables of Mitre
court. Temple, and then follow the lesser Joves, such
as Mr. Joseph Arnold, Rev. Charles Kingslake, Mr. G.
H. Lewes, Mr. Newmarch, (secretary of the Globe
Assurance office,) Mr. Main, 9reader at the Middle
Temple,) Professors Owen and Playfair, Mr. Goldwin
Smith, Mr. Beresford Hope, (the proprietor of the
journal,) Rev. W. Scott of Christ's church, Hoxton,
M. J. Pitt Taylor, (the County Court Judge,) Mr. W.
B. Donne, Mr. Jones Rymer, Mr. C.J. Sanders, Lord
Robert Clinton,, (very casual,) Mr. Grant Duff, (do.,)
Mr. E. A. Freeman, and Mr. Frazer, late Paris cor-
respondent of a well-known and once powerful jour-
nal. Among the other contributors deep in the arcana
of the zymotic process constantly going on in South-
ampton-street are the following: Mrs. Bennet, (sister
of our most sagacious statesman,) Miss Boyce, Lady
Hanover, (formerly Lany Benjamin Hall,) the com-
piler of the journal and correspondence of Mrs. Delany,
the wife of the Dean of Down; Miss Jane Williams,
(another gifted native of the Palatine,) Miss C. Ogle
of Newcastle, Mr. F. Galton, Mr. A. Grant, Mr. W. V.
Harcourt, Mr. J. M. Hayman, Mr. G. W. Hemming,
Mr. I. C. Mansfield, Mr. Stephens, and a few others off
minor note. The majority of the male contributors
are barristers, of whom perhaps it may be said that
their friends gave them nothing to do, and they
did it!
Sat. March 8th, 1862
to-day I received a large number of visitors, but as
they were nearly all persons I had seen at least once before
it was a less fatiguing day for me than usual. The queenly St. Ger-
mano charmed me as usual. A curious conversation took place
between Mons. de Lima & the Marchesa D'Arvillars on the subject
of suicide - apropos of the sad fate of an accomplished Englishwoman.
The Countess d'Adda, though looking so feeble, was full of life &
gaiety. The Abbé Baruffi gave a funny account of old Baron
Plana's violent denunciation of the new ministry in a caffé
yesterday. "Baron Plana, with his reputation & thirty thousand
a year may do this, if he likes; but a poor priest like me
must be more prudent, and, finding I could not restrain him,
I persuaded him to leave the caffé with me."
Sunday - 9th March
I should have mentioned among my visitors
yesterday Sam. Cooper & wife from America. They give
glowing accounts of the spirit shown at Rome - but I
must confess the Italian horizon does not look very fair
to me just now. Some of the prefects of the leading
cities for have already resigned since Ratazzi came in
and more are likely to do so. Count d'Adda, I am sorry
to say, is among the first. - We had a charming drive to-day,
first a turn in the Via Pó, where there was a gala corso,
and then elsewhere - the weather most delightful.
The Marchesa Doria was brilliant in equipage & toilette
so were many others.
Monday March 10th -
We stole an hour for
another
drive today - everything looks so bright
and springlike. Good news continues to come in from America. Here
the clouds do not disperse. The meeting at Genoa yesterday excites
much uneasiness. (For account see newspapers preserved.) Garibaldi has
boldly endorsed our friend Haug at any rate.
Tuesday 11.
Our whole time, now is taken up with the preparation
of Mr Marsh's second Series of Lectures, for the press. I am
almost afraid Mr Marsh cannot hold out to work another
month in this way. I managed to get him out though, for an
hour or two every day either for walk or drive. Today we drove
to the cemetery - a strange quaint looking place to which I intend
to go some day and make notes for an hour. The grave of Silvio
Pellico awakened some very touching memories. As we only went
into the old cemetery we did not see the resting place of the
lamented Cavour.
Wednesday 12th.
Today we drove to Moncalieri. The palace is large
and stands almost on the extremity of the Collina which here
sinks abruptly into the plain. The village is nestled at the
foot of the palace and I longed to get out for a stroll through
its odd looking little streets.
Thursday 13th - At last we have a rainy day - a very
Vendredi
My dear Mrs. Marsh
Having been particularly
pleased to hear you take
interest in German litterature, I
venture to send you an historical
romance which is considered one
of the best written at present.
The author is a Lady, the wife
of the but shortly deceased historian
"Theodor Mundt." The description
of the Austrian Court, a century
[*Lowenthal Notes*]
3
ago could perfectly be applied
to the Italian one, I am living
at; the intrigues of the Jesuits
which gave so much pain to
poor Emperor Joseph and inflicted
so many trials on him are
extremely well described and his
torical. I think it will rather
interest you. Many thanks, for
the book of poetry, I merely read
a few lines yet, and like it very
much. I will gladly avail myself
of your permission to call on you
any day, your charming conversation
and most superior intellect and
gentle one certainly - but still it does rain. We were able to
do a good long day's work on the Lectures.
Friday 14th, March
This morning I received from Miss Arbesser the note
on the preceding page - I am amazed at the imprudence
of this young person, and should like to caution her a
little, if I knew how to do so without seeming to play
the mentor, and so perhaps drive her to trust some one
who might be cruel enough to betray her.
Mr Marsh dined to-day with Ratazzi in company
with the other Cabinet Ministers and the Dip. Corps.
It is the fête of the king & prince Humbert.
American news of the best -
Saturday 15
Visitors few but all acquaintances, with many
of whom I begin to feel myself quite familiar. To my
great satisfaction General Menabrea, by repeating the
remark he made to me some weeks since at the Opera,
gave me an oportunity to say a few words on the other
side of the question. The graces in women and a devotion
to her family duties were all that were required to her perfection.
"But," I said, "what is there left for us if nature has not gifted
us with graces, if we have no family to which to devote
ourselves or if ill health deprives us for long years of all
social enjoyments and of the strength necessary to attend
to household matters? with thousands of women one or
more of the suppositions are stern facts. You would deny
us all those mental rescources with which wide knowl-
edge furnishes you - you would leave us to count our beads
under such circumstances, but you would leave us nothing
else." I then told him that I thought nature had made
wide differences between men and women and that it
should be [illegible] the object of education to bring them nearer
together rather than to increase these differences, and
finished my speech by a quotation from St. Cyril's
Clement's
advice
to his clergy "teach your men to be modest, your women
to be brave. The General seemed much amused and
quite inclined to pursue the discussion, but we were inter-
rupted by the coming in of a new set of visitors.
Mr de Bunsen gave me some curious details of his Turinese
experiences. Nobody quite dared to talk politics, but it seems
to be generally understood that the disaffected prefects are
all to come back.
Sunday 16th March
Having a bad headache all day I was
not able to see Count Sauli who is one of the
literary antiquities of Turin, and who kissed my
hand most gallantly at the D'Adda's the other
evening. Mr Marsh drew him out a little on the
subject of politics knowing that he was considered a
codino. The old man said he had a dread of
revolutions - a natural feeling for any one, but more
especially for one of his age - but when he touched
upon the Papacy he spoke in no measured terms of
its abuses - and of Guizot's late defence of the
th temporal power of the Pope - he said, "C'est le
scandale de notre temps."
Monday, 17th
Madame de Lima brought her two lovely boys
to us this morning - the one 14 - the other 5 years old.
The oldest speaks five languages fluently - not to name
the Piedmontese patois which he uses like a native.
The little fellow, who was born in England, prides himself on
being an Englishman.
Tuesday 18th March
No visitors to-day but little Emilia de Lima -
or Tota de Lima as she directed Alexander to announce
her - a most bright, interesting child of eleven.
Wednesday, 19th
Mr Powers came in to announce the arrival
of himself, wife & daughter with his son-in-law that is to be
to-morrow. We were delighted to see him - noble, honest
soul that he is. I never see
talk with
him without feeling that
circumstances only have prevented him from doing far greater
things than he has done - I might say greater than any man
of his age has done in his profession branch of art.
Thursday March 20th
The bridal party came to us as soon as the ceremony
was over at the British Legation. Lulie looked as sweet
and calm as possible, the bridegroom, Mr Ibbotson, was
less composed, though we liked his appearance extremely, and
the parents' hearts are very full. Every thing went off as well
as could be wished, and after a glass of wine the young people
set of out for Milan - the father & mother remained to dine
pass the day & dine with us. We had a 'good long day curse' at the Secessionists.
Thursday Friday 21st March
Mr & Mrs Powers left for home this morning
in a heavy rain. Strange that out of the five days of rain in eleven
months they should have had three
of them
in which to marry their daughter &
see Turin.
Sat. 22nd Marsh [March]
Mr Dillon was my first visitor - Madame
Benedetti my second. I was very glad to see the latter
as she has never been in before since the disagreeable
rencontre with the Doria. She was however, amiable and graceful
as ever, and seems incapable of petty resentments, though not
lacking in the truest dignity. It was settled between us that she
should not make her visits to me on saturday hereafter.
The beautiful Marchesa Rorà was certainly the particular
of star of this day's reunion, but my plain friend, the
Contessa Salino made herself scarcely less agreeable. Gen. Haug
excited some curiosity, and after he left, Baron Hochschild
enquired who he was. On my explaining, he broke out
with some [illegible] warmth against Garibaldians in
general, though he admitted that this particular speciman
was an interesting one. He then spoke of the hero himself,
said he was a hero, and an honest man besides, but that
he lacked common sense. I ventured to say that I thought
the events of the last three years showed some faint gleams of
common sense in this man - not only, too, what had been done
but what had been forborne. "But he is doing immense mischief
now," was his reply. I confessed I did not know what he was
doing, and therefore could not dispute the assertion. The
Baron then added, "Garibaldi is a true hero & a patriot, and
history will place him higher as the regenerator of Italy
than king or Cavour - but I tell you frankly that, were
I dictator here and convinced that Garibaldi intended to get
the country into a war, I would have him hanged to-
morrow! I know I should be eternally infamous for that deed
but I should save Italy by it!" Some animated discussion
followed between us, Count de Thomar taking part, but diplomatic
caution was a heavy drag-chain on my woman's wit. The dear
old Abbé brought in his unfailing contribution - an interesting
anecdote. I told him we went to the cemetery the other day, and
saw the grave of Silvio Pellico. "Ah," said he, "it is painful to
see that the Countess __ made his grave with those of
her family servants." I could not believe I had heard aright.
"Yes," said he, "Silvio Pellico was a tutor in her family, and when
he died she never dreamed of laying him in the family vault
but made his bed with those of her other servants." So a
descendant of the great Colbert treats the ashes of Silvio Pellico!
Who would not rather rest with Egypt's crocodiles than be
placed in a vault where the dust of this same Countess
must some day be brought.
This evening we went to our theatre - now occupied by a
Piedmontese company. We were surprised to find that we could
follow the play tolerably well - and were much pleased with
the respectable character of the performance. There was nothing, so
far as we could judge, of the coarseness of the French plays we had
heard in the early winter, and the piece did not seemed intended to prove
the hollowness of [illegible] marriage-vows - the moral of most of the plays
I have seen this winter
Sunday 23rd March,
A quiet day at home after morning service,
except a short drive towards Moncalieri. The air was perfumed
with violets and every man, woman and child we met had
a knot of these sweet flowers.
Monday 24 -
Today we had a long drive taking Mr Artoni,
The hillsides towards Superga are literally covered with
wild flowers - primroses anemones and all the common
wild blossoms of spring. Nearer the river banks are thousands
of violets. The willows are already quite green, the almonds
have been in blossom for ten days, and many other trees
and shrubs are fast putting out leaves. General Haug
came to take leave, though he expects to return to Turin after
a short visit to Scleswick [Schleswig] Holstein. He is certainly an enigma.
Tuesday 25
After a very hard mornings work I persuaded
Mr Marsh to drive down to the Botanical Garden by the
Valentino Palace. There are many curious trees and shrubs and
flowers here and it will no doubt be much enlarged.
Wednesday 26. Carutti came in this morning to say
goodbye before going to his post at the Hague. He is a man
of ability and honest enough to be the secretary of Ricasoli,
which is saying all that could be said of a man in that
direction. We regret him profoundly. - I should have
mentioned Mr Marsh's interview with Ratazzi yesterday.
His new Excellency was very gracious and expressed the same
sympathy in the success of the North that every Italian
does who speaks of our government. The unanimous opinion
of all p Italian politicians with whom we talk is that the
new Ministry here must go down, and that speedily. The
triumphal of Garibaldi terrifies the timid, makes the
calmer patriots look grave and somewhat anxious, but
it fills the sanguine with fresh hopes. There is the
same striking unanimity of opinion with regard to
Garibaldi's greatness of heart and purity of purpose which
I have so often noticed in reference to Ricasoli. Both these men
are violently opposed in their political views, but their worst
enemy dares not impeach their motives.
Thursday 27
Another rainy day. Hard work over manuscripts
is the duty of the day, and arranging the quantities of
wild flowers gathered yesterday by Carrie and Giachino
serve for the amusement. For myself this is my second
days penance for walking through the Valentino conservatory
Tuesday, and if I get off with another week I shall be thankful.
Friday 28th
Still in bed and only able to hear, not
see,
the Ms.
before it goes to press. More home news, but I cannot write of these.
Sat. 29th
This post brings Mr Dillon's recall to our great
relief. Without the least personal ill will towards him, we have
found him in all respects a clog on the legation. Hostile alike
to this government and our own, and perfectly unreserved in
his condemnation of the latter, Mr Marsh has never felt that
he could trust him with any of the business of the Legation.
The only thing he has done in this way since we came has
been to copy one, possibly two or three, papers, the first
month after our arrival. Since then he has been trusted
with nothing. He is evidently most unfortunately made
up - irritable & suspicious in his temper and always
complaining that life has nothing to offer worth
the trouble of living for - I am heartily sorry for him
but it is a case where we at least can be of little
service. Mr Marsh says: "How could I - an American-
Puritan-Liberal-Union-Republican - be expected to go
on with an Irish-Papist-Bourbon-Secession-Democrat?"
Truly it would seem difficult.
Sunday 30th Marsh [March]
A dull day without, but we had rest and
quiet within. Our news from America continues most
encouraging. Italian affairs not clearing up.
Monday 31st,
Raining still, and we find the freedom from
visitors the greatest relief now that we are so hurried.
Manuscript - manuscript every where, and this morning
proof to read beside -
Tuesday, April 1st -
How did the unhappy book-makers of former
ages get on, I wonder, when there was no such thing as Patent Paste!
Why it is the very salvation of us drudges of the present day.
Wednesday April 2nd
Thanks to this continued gentle rain the work prospers -
another week we hope will see it all on its way to the printer.
Mr Marsh went to the Convegno dei Deputati this evening just by
way of keeping up a thread of connection with the outward world
which we have well nigh lost sight of. Every body congratulates
on the improved aspect of our political affairs, Mr. Tourte
is especially jubilant as the prosperity of Republics is very dear
to him. -
Thursday 3d April
Still, water, water every where! and we
work & are thankful. The Abbé came in this evening to
announce Lesseps for to-morrow. We shall have news of the
canal I suppose - that is, if there is any thing he thinks
worth while to communicate.
Friday 4th April
A glorious sun this morning, and the
partial
change
of occupation it will bring does not come amiss, for Mr Marsh
is quite worn out with his constant writing, and Carrie & I are
both rather knocked up with reading. I shall take my first
drive, since the unlucky visit to the botanical garden. -
Eve. The drive was a success - & Mrs Stanley & I discussed
American politics without thunder - though I was conscious
of an emission of a little heat-lightning now & then. These
English are certainly the most obtuse tribe now existing. For
all practical purposes they might as well be stone-deaf -
Saturday, 5th April -
The Pomposa came in with an exquisite young
creature - the Countess Rosponi - just as poor Mad. Cappellini
had taken her seat. The high-minded Marchesa was careful
to show her appreciation of my less aristocratic visitor,
My Dear Friend Marsh
My wife was quite sea sick on
the vessel from Genoa to Leghorn, and
has hardly yet recovered. Her head still
swims when she stoops - and I have been
very busy modelling a portrait bust by
day and writing in the evening. I have had
business letters to attend to. Still one or
the other of us ought to have written you
a word at least on our return. I intended
to do so - but put it off until I am
really ashamed.
I was really in earnest about the bust
to be done of Mrs Marsh and shall expect
her here ere long - but mind, when I ask
any one to sit to me, my own labour is
gratis - The model in plaster will there-
fore be yours - After that, if you should
desire to have it in marble you must
pay for the material - and the actual cost
of execution - a sum somewhere within
two hundred dollars -
I know your generous nature too well to
suppose that you will be quite satisfied
with this arrangement, but my dander is
very touchy and will rise if you refuse
to gratify this little bit of ?? selfish-
-ness on my part -
Tell Mrs Marsh to have no fears about
the lateness of this work. And if her face has
been touched by the hand of time, that hand
has given more than it has taken, and her
Pose presents an example
of
wear, which more
and more reveals the "Royal metal" -
I would not take an hour from the age
of my wife's bust, for whatever lines there
may be upon it, though unintelligble to the
understanding - are all histories to the heart.
I feel what they mean and had they been
left out, then the story of her life would
have closed where they began.
The infant is not lost in the good child,
and the good child is not lost in the
adult but continued, and serene old age
holds all, and expresses them too - if we
could read the book of life written upon
every old face -
The young "Proserpine" stands by the side of
my wife's bust, in my studio, and between
them, there is the marked difference of 18
and 46 years - and yet there are many
visitors, who without knowing the portrait
or any thing of the original, seem more
pleased with it than with the other -
Both have a story to tell - one is short and
sweet. The other long and congenial to the
beholder. The one is "Story ideal" - the other
"alive and real" There is and always must
be this difference twixt ideal heads by man
and faithful portraits, the first are from
finite hands - the second - are from the
Infinite - The one is general without
particulars- the other is general with
every particular -
But I have not time to write a lecture
We will talk about these matters during
Mrs Marshs sittings -
The news from home - upon the whole - is
most encouraging - It looks like a cave in
at the South - and there must be a cave
in - It is not in human nature - as we
know it from history - for a people with
-out religious fanaticism - a strong cause - or
Some great material interest - to stand
out against such odds, as are now bear-
-ing upon the South - I do not go into
a consideration of the bravado of the Southern
Leaders - that is all stuff - the people, who
have thus far followed them, and have been
thus far deceived and duped, will follow
no longer, but soon turn upon their leaders,
and tear them to pieces if resisted - It al-
-ways was so, and often when the leaders were
right, but unsuccessful - To suppose that
the ignorant masses of the South are to
afford an unprecedented example of firmness,
in the present circumstances, is to suppose
a miracle -
Pray write to me soon as you con-
veniently can.
and with our united regards,
believe me ever yours -
Hiram Powers.
Florence
April 3d 1862
and I was equally careful that my countrywoman should not
feel herself rudely treated at least by me. I find my mantle
of charity [illegible] likely to prove somewhat scant for the most
extraordinary dimensions of this grande dame, and the prospect
now is mutual contempt, if not open hostility on her part.
It is quite certain we don't sympathise to use the word of the day.
It was most gratifying to receive the congratulations of Baron
Poerio & Madame Peruzzi on the successes of our Gov. I had no
idea that there was so much fire left in the former. He spoke at first
with much feeling of our victories over the rebels, but when he
touched upon the project of the European Powers to put a Hapsburg
on a throne in the West, his eyes seemed literally to blaze. 'Thank
"God," said he, "you were in time to put a stop to put a stop such
an infamous scheme!" Madame Peruzzi was not less warm - "It was
a plan to fix a base of operations against your Republic - or at least
to hem you in and hold you in check!" Garibaldi again
came up for discussion when unluckily he had no friend by to defend
him. His interview with the poet Manzoni is a sore subject with
the codini who have long insisted that the latter was repenting
in dust & ashes of his liberalism.
Sunday April 6,
I took Mrs Stanley and Mrs Codrington to
Moncalieri today. The air was delicious but the mountains
were mostly covered. Mrs Stanley gave a pleasant ac-
count of her interview the other day
with Garibaldi.
On taking leave
of him, she said, "I am going to see another valued
friend." "May I know whom?" said the General. "Baron Plana."
"Then you are a privileged woman if you can call that
great man friend."
Monday 7th.
We carried off the reluctant Minister from
his writing table to the green fields, the hunting grounds
and the handsome palace of Stupenigi. I have not been
there before, and can now well understand why the great
Bonaparte liked to live there. We were scarcely out of
town and fairly in the beautiful avenue that leads
to it, before the sweet violets the daisies and other children
of the spring looked out upon us most fascinatingly from
the green banks. Gaetano would stop to gather them though
the thunder was rattling over our heads, and Mr Marsh
took occasion to make the threatening rain an additional
argument against picking flowers which he always regards
in the light of a crime. I tried to console his wounded
sensibilities by assuring him that though their lives might
be the shorter they would be the broader for their travels;
and that perhaps a sight of Turin and the Casa d'Angennes
and a portrait of Carlo Felice would make ample amends
for other losses. On the whole we enjoyed the drive immensely.
I cannot say that I find myself shocked - as most
Americans are - to see the contadine at work in the fields.
The poor, of both sexes, must toil, and to do so in heaven's
open air and sunshine seems to me a happier lot than con-
finement in the factory or the cellar kitchen. One strong
healthy looking woman who was planting in her garden,
particularly attracted my notice - I will not say my
envy, though if I must choose between such a life as
hers and that of the haughty Pomposa of Turin I should
certainly decide in favor of the former.
April Tuesday 8th
We made an abortive attempt to get into
the country again today - a smart shower overtaking us
before we could get out of town. Mr Marsh after writing from
half past four A.M. till the same hour P.M. was attacked
with cramp which fortunately was soon relieved by domestic
remedies as housewives express themselves. I sincerely trust
he may hold out for the few days more required to finish
the lectures, but it distresses me beyond measure to see him
driven at high pressure in this way.
Wednesday April 9th
villa, a ch To-day we went to look at the Franchetti
Villa,
a charming place only a few rods from the bridge. But, though
the distance is nothing, the ascent is steep and Mr Marsh thinks
on that account it would not do for winter, as friends would
not like to come to us evenings.
Thursday April 10th
Took Miss Roberts to Stupinigi, but
found the violets nearly gone - Mr Marsh drudged all
day at home.
Friday, April 11th
We took a short drive with Mrs Stanley - and
with this exception worked violently all day.
Sat - April 12th
Mr Marsh was at his writing-table before 1/2 past 4 this morning and C.
was not beh long behind him. I was up an hour earlier than usual myself -
and all this in a sort of desperate hope of getting of the last pages
of the Ms. to-day - - I watched the clouds and prayed for rain
to keep off visitors - the rain came, but alas the visitors too,
and 60 pages will have to lie over till monday. Carrie has
copied nearly ten thousand words in the last two days, but all
won't do - the work will run over into next week.
In spite of thunder & rain I had some dozen visitors all
pleasant enough, but none very brilliant or exciting. I
grow very tired, sometimes, of the everlasting sameness of this
high society, - but what amazes me most of all is to see sensible
men otherwise, taking the liveliest interest,
or pretending to do so,
in trivialities beneath a
child. Rustem Bey, speaking of going to Naples with the king, said he
did not care much to go, as all the haute societé of that city had
emigrated to Paris and there would be nothing to see or enjoy. I
said, that without making the acquaintance of a single member
of that important body, I had passed some of the most
delightful weeks of my life there - hinted at the wonderful beauty
of the scenery, at the old Roman world laid open there etc. He
made no reply, but evidently pitied my ignorance of the world.
Sunday April 13th
This afternoon we drove to the Madonna di Campagna
the roads were bad from the rain of yesterday, but the wheat
fields were most beautiful. The grain
wheat
is now at least a foot
high, and some of the winter grains - I could not distinguish the
species as we passed rapidly - are at least two feet - and nicely
headed out. The fruit-trees are in fullest flower and the whole
country seems a rich garden. The air was delicious but the sky looked
a little angry.
Monday April 14th
At two o' clock the last page of the manuscript of the
Second Course of Lectures on English was sealed up & sent to the
post and Mr Marsh sat down to announce the fact to his American
publisher, Scribner. At three I went to see how he was enjoying his
newly recovered liberty - I found him with a heap of manuscript,
loose notes etc, about him - "what are you doing now?" I said.
asked.
"At work on my next book." he said in the quietest way in the
world - and sure enough the projected "Physical Geography" was
already in the forge. 'Well, I said, 'it cost me fifteen years of hard work
to wind you up to the writing point, and now I believe you are
likely to run on without stopping for the next fifteen." Perhaps so,'
he answered, but did not look up. For the first time in
eleven months there has been to-day a sudden change in the weather.
A thick snow-storm all night day, with a cold northwest wind &
and thermometer at 40 Fahrenheit
Far
- in the evening at 37 - . What a
contrast to yesterday.
Tuesday April 15th
The de Bunsens were with us for an hour or
two this afternnon. They spoke of many American acquain-
-tances they had made at Rome with great pleasure.
Among others they praised enthusiastically the Storys.
In Mrs Stowe they seemed to have been disappointed.
as she occupied their interview with questions about
the road to Perugia, the expense of getting there,
the lions to be looked after &c. &c. - in short talked
like a mere ordinary mortal and did not drop them a
crumb of her greatness to carry off as a specimen.
I have often thought that many travellers
regard persons of distinction much as they do old
temples etc. - if they can't bring away a piece
they are distressed. Mrs Stowe would however pro
Miss Arbesser spent the evening with us and
was not incommunicative. She spoke of Ricasoli's
fall as unquestionably a court intrigue, though there
might have been extraneous influences that gave
his enemies the power of mischief. She says she had
ventured to express, one day, something of the admiration
she felt for his character, when she was taken up
shortly by Count Gattinara who said "Pour moi,
Mademoiselle, je n'estime pas un homme qui et
son' chapeau en présence de sa Majesté!" It seems
that, on one occasion, when the king passed through
the council chamber, just as they were breaking up,
Ricasoli put on his hat, the Count declares, before
the king had really passed through the opposite door.
This offense, it appears, cost the unhappy Baron the estime
of the young courtier. A loss which he probably does not
greatly grieve over. There is really something grand
in the noble independence of this man - an independence
as free from affectation as it is from assumption. He
would not wantonly do a disrespectful thing in the
Another charge brought against poor Ricasoli is, that,
on New Year's evening at the Teatro Regio where, with
all the most distinguished gentlemen of the Court,
he was attending on the king, he, after having
been honored with a ten minutes talk with
His Majesty, retired to the lower extremity
of the space
behind
the king and sat down! This act - though he was
so far behind the king as to be quite invisible to
the audience greatly shocked some of the high priests
of royalty, one of whom went to him and remonstrated
on the impropriety of his conduct. "Laissez moi tranquil,"
said the indignant Baron, "c'est une bêtise!"
presence of the king, but he is a despiser of the
'traditions', some of which disgrace the Italian
court to this day. This same Gattinara who really
seems an amiable man, quotes in justification
of some of his absurd insistences a reprimand which
he received when one of the royal pages of the late
Queen. On some ceremonial occasion the queen
suddenly swooned and Gattinara, who was the
only gentleman standing near her at the time
caught and sustained her till other assistance
could be had. For this he was sharply blamed. on
the ground that the injunction "ne touchez pas
à la reine' was too sacred a thing to be violated, and
the royal lady should rather have been suffered
to fall on the marble floor. He now sees the propri-
-ety of this, and probably it is a severe mortification
to him that his own noble instincts should not have
taught it without the necessity of the lesson.
Miss Arbesser tells - on the authority of the Duchess
herself I fancy though she did not say so - an amusing
instance of the formality of the queen mother of Victor Em-
manuel. She was in the habit of having her two daughters
-in-law, the Queen Adelaide and the Duchess, with her
every day after dinner, and she herself gave them tea
or coffee. The Duchess who never took coffee, but the persis-
tent queen regularly offered it to her every evening, year
after year, always receiving the same answer and always
persevering in the same polite offer - "Caffé, Elisabetta?"
"No, grazie," and so it went on to the end. The awful
state kept up at this family meeting seems to have
been too appalling for the son and husband, and it is
no wonder that Victor Emmanuel preferred
'black bread and onions' to such a tea table. The
two young wives and mothers could not speak to each
other even of their children without a frown from the
queen dowager. Add to this the fact that not only
she, but
also
Queen Adelaide was completely in the power
of the Jesuits and one ceases to wonder at the consequences.
Miss Arbesser says "one should not speak unkindly
of the dead and Queen Adelaide was really most ami-
-able, but they have both been canonized by priestly
praise and can afford to bear a little blame from
us worldings." She says she has done what she
could to induce the Duchess to exert her influence
in favor of the Princess Marie Pie, and try to have
an English Gouvernante in
the
place of one of the four
Piedmontese ladies who are now acting in that ca-
-pacity. But her Royal Highness does not think it
possible - perhaps even fears she may make for herself
dangerous enemies by the attempt. The following
anecdote may give some idea of these guides of
the royal princess. A Turinese lady of rank meeting
one of them the other day said "Madam, I went to
pay a visit to your daughter yesterday and - "
"Oh yes!" exclaimed the countess, "she told me how
delighted she was to see you!" [illegible]
replied
"et" continued
the first, with provoking coolness, "je ne l'ai
pas trouvée à la maison." If Miss Arbesser is
not mistaken, the poor princess Marie's intellectual
development is much what might be expected from
such surroundings; her morale fortunately seems
to be far better than could be looked for. The little
Duke of Genoa seems to interests Miss Arbesser a good deal.
She thinks him a child of great sensibility, and of
remarkable mechanical and even artistic genius -
more likely, in fact, to distinguish himself as a poet
than as a prince. Of the heir apparent and Prince
Amadeo she speaks quite enthusiastically, but says,
what they are they owe to their military education, which
has taken them, in part at least, out of the hands of the
priests. It is to be hoped the little Duke will have the
same good fortune some day. "The poor Duchess," my chatty
friend says, "often sighs when she sees the poor child
led to his carriage by the Marchese della Rovere on
one side and another governour on the other, and exclaims,
"They will take my boy for an idiot when they see
him led about in this way." If my young gossip ever paused
long enough to give me an opportunity to pronounce one whole
sentence, I should be almost worldly enough to suspect some mischief
under all this frankness, but she never waits to hear either assent or
dissent from her auditors
Wednesday, 16th April,
Mr Crafts & family from Boston, & Col. Winthrop (& family
I believe) from N.Y. arrived here to-day. It is not very pleasant
to meet lukewarm Americans just now &
even
our respect for Mrs C.
personally and
our
still [illegible]
greater
regard for her parents
are hardly sufficient to secure a welcome for the party. Col.
Winthrop, I shall suffer to speak for himself, and if the first
part of the anecdote he tells of himself - and he told it to
Mr Marsh this morning - is not very probable, and the
last not very creditable to him as a gentleman it is his
fault & not mine. "I was in Florence some years ago
spending the winter, and the Grand Chamberlain of the Grand
Duke said to me one evening, "There is no one in Florence
officially authorized to present Americans at Court & the G. D.
proposes to give you that privilege if you are disposed to
accept it. Accordingly I received formal notice that I should
be expected to present Americans etc - . Not long after an
American introduced himself to me and seemed surprised that
I did not recollect him. "Do you not remember me, Col. Win-
throp?" he said, "I used to furnish you with carriages at "__
"Well, and do I owe
owe
you any thing," I asked - "O no," he replied,
in some confusion,"but I understood you had the privilege
of presenting Americans at Court and - " I cut him short
by saying it was a private privilege which I did not feel
at liberty to exert except for the benefit of personal friends."
If money that one has not earned makes a man more respectable
than money that one has earned this Col. W. may have claims
beyond the man he insulted, but as to any qualities of heart or intellect
I must see the latter to believe him his inferior.
April April 17th
The weather continues so cold as to make a fire
necessary at evening and the frost is said to have injured the
fruit-trees and still more the mulberies which were just
leaving out beautifully. It is really sad after six weeks
without a particle of frost that such a relapse should
be experienced. The fall of snow on Monday did much mischief
to the trees around some of the villas, breaking & up-
rooting them. We drove along the banks of the river
towards the north of the city and enjoyed the luxuriant
grain-fields most heartily. Mr Marsh had
a
long talk
with Pulszky to-day. He believes it is the intention
of Austria to attack Italy the first moment she dares,
and he quite agrees with Mr Marsh that Lord Palmeston [Palmerston's]
wordy friendship for the Italian Cause means nothing
whatever on the part of England, though some good may
indirectly come of it. Every military man speaks of
the late retreat of the Rebels from Manasses as inexplicable
except on the admission that Gen. McClellan is either
either [sic] an imbecile or a traitor. It is to be hoped
he will soon give some evidence that he is neither
the one or the other. There are very audible
thunder-mutterings in the gathering clouds here and it
would not be surprising if a storm were to burst forth
at any moment. There is a rumor that a number of English
frigates have appeared in the bay of Naples, and show a
disposition to play off a game there to match the Emperor at
Rome. I wish it might be so--as it may help bring events
to a crisis.
April 18th
In a drive with Mrs Stanley to day I tried to learn
a little more about the good society here apart from the
haute societé. Mrs S. is very independent in her selection
of acquaintances and really knows very well what materiel
there is here, but she is so English in the character of her mind
that it is next to impossible to make her hear a question, or
if one is fortunate enough to succeed in that, to get an
answer. The national fogs have certainly told at last
on the intellects of these amiable islanders. I went to
enquire and leave compliments for our precious old friend
Plana who has been quite ill - was glad indeed to hear he
was better. - Col. Cluseret writes rather a discouraging
letter from the American army which disturbs us a good
deal - but much allowance must be made for the
prejudices of a foreigner.
Saturday 19.
Good old Mrs Simpson undertook to give me some
account of Miss Bertons philanthropic operations for the Piedmon-
-tese, but there was such an English mistiness
about it
that I could
make little of the story. At first it appeared that Miss
Berton was an American, then that perhaps she was - that
she was furnishing Bibles and giving school instruction to the
Piedmontese - that she did all this somewhere in Switzerland
- that the idea was suggested to her by a person she met
when travelling, but of whom she could never hear
anything afterwards, though she advertised etc. etc.
I succeeded in getting one answer to one question,
- namely how the Piedmontese laboring classes were
to be benefitted by a school in Switzerland! "Oh I meant
the Piedmontese who were at work on the railroads
on the other side of the mountains." This was something
and may serve as a basis of
further
inquiry. The diplomatic
corps are all grumbling that the King invites them
to meet him at Naples and leaves them to make the
five hundred mile trajet as they can, giving them
their choice between brigands by land and coast boats
by sea. The Prussian Minister takes this occasion to recall
an experience of his own a few years ago. He was at Nice
and invited by his Majesty to meet him at Genoa. There
was no way to get there on the day named except by
boat - the ordinary coasting boat between Nice and Genoa.
The Prussian Minister went on board - the freight
that day was pigs and a very full freight at that.
The Minister says "the sea was very rough. I was very
sick, the pigs were very sick, and the rest may be left
to the imagination." I have no doubt if it were
once suggested to the king he would immediately order
a corvette to take us which might be done without
inconvenience or expense to the Government. As to our-
-selves the ten day rule will serve as an excuse and
we shall not go. This evening we went to the
Viscontis to a soirée musicale. The music was admirable
The principle
performers
were Madame Ferrares, Madame Richetta
and the Countess Castellenga. The first was a cele-
-brated theatrical singer, but always a person of ex-
-cellent character and now married to a highly respectable
advocate. The second too I think has sung publicly, though
I am not quite sure. The Countess Castellenga, a pleasing
woman of about forty has only just discovered her extraordinary
power and compass of voice and she now devotes herself en-
-tirely to its cultivation. There were some notorieties
present but on the whoe the company seemed to be se-
-lected rather with reference to its capacity for enjoy-
-ing the music than from any other consideration.
The princess--or rather the Marchesa Solariro, whose
mother was a real Hindoo princess, sat at my
right hand. She is now a woman of fifty five, perhaps
more, prodigiously fat but with an agreeable face and
very lady-like manners. The old Marchesa Spinola, one
of the quaintest specimens of the olden time that we
have seen was among the guests. The little, hoopless, old
thing looked so funny between the full blown women who
sat each side of her - but when she spoke it was the voice
of a giant - not even a giantess - rather deep, though, than
loud. I fancy M Bloody Mary spoke in the same key,
yet Heaven forbid I should intimate that there is
anything bloody about this fantastic looking Marchesa.
She seems extremely good natured and her first question
to Mr Marsh when he was presented to her was: "Did you
bring any parrots from America?" and on his replying in
the negative, she added: "Why I should have supposed
you would, they are so plenty there." He was extremely
diverted with the old lady, says she is a thorough ori-
-ginal and
he
hopes to see more of her. Some one was
wicked enough to tell her that Madame Benedetti
did not go to see her because she had heard that "she
was old and ugly and did not go out any more".
Poor old lady! I dare say she cares more to see Madame
Benedetti's two little miniature parrots than to see
their mistress. I was amused at the address
of Count Farcito, a most dignified old gentleman,
as he came up to Mrs Stanley. "Est-ce-que vous m'aimez
toujours!" "Oui, oui, toujours!" replied Mrs Stanley, and I
added "Oui, Monsieur le Comte, c'est vrai--parce qu'elle
vient de me faire sa confidante" and it was true
that she was that moment telling me how much she
admired him.
Sunday 20. Two of Kossuth's sons were here
today. Attractive young men who have learned so much
from exile that they are willing to work. They are both
in the employment of this government as engineers. I
hope they will come and see us often as I wish to make
such young men feel that they are not less respected
for daring to be independent.
Monday 21st
Ill in bed both yesterday & to-day, and Carrie
is not much better though she is obliged to make some
PRANZO AL MINISTERO DEGLI AFFARI ESTERI
21 Aprile 1862.
Minuta del Pranzo
Minestra primaverile alla Reale
Vini
Capri
Buccolotti di Dama e creste alla Villa Reale
Fleury
Trota salsa burro di granchi
Filetto di bue all'Imperiale
Romanée
Pollastri alla Cavalliera
Presciutto Inglese con gelatina
Costolette di vitello in Bella vista
PUNCH ALLA ROMANA
Asparagi al burro
Reno
Carcioffi all'Italiana
Faggiani allo spiedo con crescione
Lafite
Sogliole in Mayonese allo spicco
Plum pudding al rhum
Ciampagna
Croccante in bocca di frutta guarnito di Plombiera
FRUTTA
Caluso vecch.mo
Sra Fida Doyeni
good-bye visits. Mr Marsh dined with the New Ministry - it
does not impress him as possessing
the
ability of the last. The
sympathy expressed by them all in the success of the
good cause in America was most satisfactory however.
In making some morning visits on the ladies of the D. C.
the question of the Comtesse Marini's position came up,
most of the ladies declaring she had no diplomatic
rights whatever, being only mother & not wife of a minister.
Mr Marsh mentioned our experience at Athens where the
English Minister claimed for his niece all the honors
of his own position on the ground that she was the presiding
lady of his family, and when the Greek Government refused
to give her that
the
place he considered her entitled to the E.
government took up the matter - Madame Pluskow, the Grande
Maitresse was sent away, and Miss Wyse was took her place
at Court balls etc just as if she had been the wife and
not the niece of Sir Thomas. Mad. Benedetti says that
at the Court of St James they acknowledge no such right, -
in any lady connected with the D.C. unless a wife - but
we all know that what England allows is no criterion
as to what she will claim.
Tuesday 22d
We have just heard of the death of Kossuth's
daughter - a sad thing for the whole family. The prince
of Capua died this morning at the Hotel d'Europe. A
carbuncle was the immediate cause of his death, but he
seems to have been suffering much as his brother, the late
Bomba did. His family are said to be greatly afflicted, but
the scenes reported to have taken place between his wife and some
other members of her family--Lady de Norbend and Miss Smith [Smyth] -
could not have been very edifying to the dying man. The princess
herself, having become a Romanist and knowing her husband
to be born such, naturally wished
him
to have the consolations
of the Roman Church. The other ladies were stormy and said -
probably when milder remonstrances had failed - that only a fool
could put trust in such things. It is to better hoped the poor
man was insensible to such discussions. Telegrams of a
national victory near Corinth and of the surrender of Iland [Island] No 10.
We can hardly wait for confirmation. Mr Marsh went
to see Mrs Solvyns whose visit I missed yesterday
by being in bed. We found both her and her mother
as much excited as ourselves about home affairs &
as scornful of traitors, and as indignant against En-
-gland. It will be a great comfort to us to have them
here.
Wednesday 23d April
The priceless Abbé gave us this evening a very
entertaining account of the Expedition just set out for Persia
partly diplomatic, partly scientific. He says it originated
in an embarrassment of Cavour with regard to the Italian
Minister then at Constantinople but that
it was never intended by originator to be carried out.
So Ricasoli understood it and let it drop - but the new
Ministry to do something took it up again, and if the Abbé
is not entirely mistaken it is a most ill-digested affair.
The Count San Germano is one of the envoyés, Count Grimaldi
another - both lively young men who will enjoy it, but
whether they will utilise it in any sense may be well doubted.
It seems a pity for this government in its present condition to
waste any thing. The family of the Prince of Capua
went to Stupenigi [Stupinigi] to-day where the king gives them a home as long
as they wish to stay. People say that this unhappy man is greatly
regretted by his wife & children - and yet he is the very man
who shot down a peasant for cutting a stick on his grounds
near Naples, and who was for years the terror of the neighborhood
for this and similar acts.
Thursday, 24th April
Had a pleasant visit from Mad. Pulszky and her fine
children - she is no common woman & inspires one with more
confidence than does her husband. Madame Benedetti came
in afterward, and I looked as usual in vain for the secret
of her unpopularity which seems now to extend even to those
who at first defended her. Carrie & Giachino left for
Florence this evening.
Friday 25th
In bed all day with violent cold etc.
was obliged to decline Miss Arbesser's visit this eve.
Mr Marsh had a long talk with Gen. Durando, Min. of
F. Affairs, this morning, both on Italian and American
politics. He is a simple, earnest-hearted man
prematurely
broken down
physically. Like every other Italian he is heartily with our Gov.
Sat. 26th
Still in bed, and of course obliged to give
up the usual Sat. reception which is gradually dying
a natural death as the warm weather comes on.
Sunday 27th
The anniversary of our leaving N.Y. and Mr M. &
I spent the day in extemporising a Jeremiad on the
results of the year as compared with what seemed then the
most reasonable expectation. Who dreamed then that half the officers
in actual command were traitors. Who dreamed Cameron would remain
Sec. of War - nine months - and Welles of the Navy through the year. But God
disposes, and He will not let the vine He has planted in the West
be utterly trampled out. He has given us many victories, if not
yet one overwhelming one.
Monday 28th
Crept out into my writing cabinet, but still not well
enough to dress. We are trying to make some plan for
an escapade into the country for a few days - Apropos
of this came up the question whether my donkey-saddle
had been re-stuffed since our last mountain excurtion
excursion
when it
so
galled the poor beast that bore it. Mr Marsh
could not be persuaded to accept my repeated assurances
that it had been put in order, and I was obliged to call
on the infalliable Alexander for confirmation of the fact. The
sceptic seemed a little confused, and I mischievously
advised him to go the carriage house and examine the
matter for himself as one could never be quite sure
without the evidence of one's own senses. "Ah," said he,
"I see! you think I had better try it on myself!"
Tuesday 29th
A letter from Mr Dillon, whom we fancied
half-way to America or somewhere else, dated at Turin
expresses to Mr Marsh much much astonishment that
he should be spoken of by some correspondent of the
N.Y. Times as a person of at least very lukewarm loyalty
if not actually a favorer of Secession. Mr Marsh replied
that he knew nothing whatever of any such article, but, on
the other hand, that he could not understand the
surprise he expressed at seeing such a statement after
his rather public discussion of American Politics at the
Convegno dei deputati, where, as he himself admitted, he was
sharply taken up for his language against his own Gov.
I am glad Mr Marsh has had this opportunity of showing
Mr Dillon that he has no disposition to be any thing but
frank with him, and that the necessity of avoiding personal
altercation with him, for the sake of the respectibility
of the Legation so long as he remained connected with
it, alone prevented him from speaking his mind
to him from the beginning.
Miss Arbesser spent the evening with me again, but as she [illegible]
unluckily stumbled upon that most stultifying of topics -
Spiritualism - alias table-turnings, I was not greatly edified -
and besides, by insisting on trying certain very stale experiments
with a key, she forced me to tell her frankly that I could see
her arm and hand move with a most natural muscular
change of place which made the gyrations of the key any
thing but a miracle. By persuading
her
to lean her hand and arm
against an upright, firm support, the pranks of the key
ceased instantaneously. She will not like me the better
for this unless she loves truth more sincerely than most.
She gave a strange account of [illegible] Brasier de St. Simon's
devotion to this absurd delusion. He, it appears, is one
of the great patrons of the science, and even now
devotes much of his time to his clairvoyants.
She spoke of a book dedicated to him containing the
usual amount, I should think, of mock miracles - and admitted
that the Austrians alluded to
in
it as the A___ family was
her own, & that she was herself, the young lady, so often mentioned.
Wednesday April 30th
Mrs Solvyns, whom I had directed should be made
an exception to the general order not to receive visitors, was
with me a half hour to-day. She is quiet and unpretending, but
one cannot feel [fail] to see at once that she has much strength
and self-reliance of character - a true specimen of a well-
-bred American woman - without the grace, certainly, that is
so common with us, but this is more than atoned for by
the entire absence of that pert affectation so frequently
seen in our city girls & young women. On the whole I am
greatly pleased with this my compatriote.
We had a hearty laugh this morning over a letter addressed
to Mr M. by the Consul at Leghorn, Mr Stephens. He says, "you
will examine &c &c and report fully to me, as I wish &c &c."
Mr Stephens seems to forget
fancy
he is not addressing, in his capacity
of schoomaster, one of his western urchins. Mr Marsh says
"it's lucky for me that I'm not within reach of his ferrule."
I suggested by way of excuse for Mr Stephens, that he
no doubt supposed himself First Consul.
To-day we had fresh figs and strawberries in abundance
and grown in the immediate vicinity of Turin too.
Thursday May 1st.
Drove to Moncalieri and returned by the
other side of the river. The country is looking most
beautifully green but the fine lights & shades so charming
on the Collina in winter fade away and are lost in all
this abundance of verdure. The peasants were dancing
their May-dance near Moncalieri, but there were very few
and not much seems to be made of the May festa in Italy.
Speaking this evening with the Abbe Baruffi of the changes now
taking place so rapidly even in the Oriental world, I mentioned
the fact that when we were in Constantinople the ladies of the
diplomatic corps were never presented to the Sultan - that one
year after we left, His Majesty visited them in their boxes at
his Theatre, as I was told by Mrs Solvyns the other day.
The Abbé then gave an account of the reception of Count
Sauti Sauli who went to Constantinople as Minister from
the king of Sardinia in 1825. The minister, in enumerating
the titles of his master had the imprudence to say "king
of Cyprus, Jerusalem etc." He was stopped by the Grand Vizier
who, in the coarsest language, demanded how the Christian dog
dared speak thus in the presence of the true lord of the East etc
etc. His manner is represented as most violent & insulting. After
the best apology that could be made by the Giaour he was
suffered to finish his address to the Sultan. Then the great
Padisha of the Faithful opened his august lips, but at
that instant a spring was touched, the water gushed from
a fountain in the apartment and not a sound except
its dashing flow reached the ears of the infidel who
was held unworthy to hear the voice of the vicegerent
of the Prophet. Such was Turkey in 1825. - He also
told us an amusing story about certain bounties
offered
here
for killing wolves soon after the end of the
Napoleonic wars, and quoted from proclamations
in the [sic] which the wolves were spoken of as
'i prelodati lupi'. Italianissimo this certainly.
An account of a robbery in which he was himself a
sufferer was also very characteristic. Each passenger in the
dilligence was bound & searched, with the exception of a lady
whom they [illegible] requested to give up her purse voluntarily without
forcing them to treat her with this indignity. "Gentlemen," she said,
"you know very well that the husband & not the wife carries
the money. I have just seen you take all he has" - and she
pointed to a man still lying on the ground - "but I can offer
you a pinch of snuff, and the box too if it pleases you."
So saying she took out her snuff-box, the robbers took each
a prise but gallantly returned the box. The travellers
were then suffered to proceed. Just before arriving at their
destination the lady took out a purse of six thousand
francs and begged to be allowed to supply the wants of
her fellow-travellers and expecially of the discreet
person who
had so
quietly acquiesced in her ruse.
Friday May 2nd
Had a long drive with Mrs Stanley - but came
home weary & unwell, and filled with wonder that a person
can be so good as she is and not be better - so sensible and
yet no wiser - so frank and yet so but half sincere.
Sat. May 3d
Learned many curious things about the Neapolitan
Gov. to-day from Baron Fava who was at the N. Court
when the last crash came. He advised me to draw out
Count Salmour on the subject - he having
been sent
by Cavour to carry
on negotiations with the young king. Fava gives a very
interesting sketch of the young queen, and says if the king had
had brains enough to have followed her counsels intea
instead of being guided by his bigotted, priest-ridden mother
he might have preserved his throne for another ten
years at least. Mr Fenton of the English Legation
was presented to us this evening by Mrs Stanley. He has been
attached to the E. Embassy at Washington and seems to have
learned a good deal about America during the two years
he was there. Though he was with Lord Normanby in
Naples and is said to sympathise with him in his views,
he expressed no illiberal opinions to us, and his conver-
-sation showed much power of observation and vastly
more culture than one generally finds among that class
of diplomats. Better still, and rarest of all for an
Englishman, he is not deaf, but can hear and even
reply to a remark made to him, or an explanation
given. He does not think it possible - and he speaks
after ten years
residence
in Spain & Italy - [illegible] for any one of
Northern blood even to come thoroughly into the intimacies
of the Southern races. How far his opinions on this subject
are just must depend very much upon his knowledge
of the language of the races, and of this I know nothing.
The two great obstacles between us are certainly language
and religion. Few persons ever learn a foreign language
well enough to be really expansive in it. We are never
quite ourselves except when we speak our mother tongue,
and we forget when a foreigner is trying to speak it
with us, that he too is
then
no longer himself - that he says
what he does not intend to say - that he cannot say what
he wishes to say. Difference in religion, even where it
is only nomal nominal, erects a most formidable barrier.
In this respect we find Italy less advanced than we
hoped. Men who talk in the boldest manner about the
corruptions of the Romish Church, who denounce popes, cardinals,
and priestly power more vehemently than we should do our-
selves, who in fact say all that the warmest protestant could
say, shrink with a sort of nervous horror from an Italian
who has become a protestant. A marked proof of this we
have in the feeling manifested towards our friend Botta who
has broken his priestly vows and married our remarkable
countrywoman, Miss Lynch. We supposed he had many
friends here - we find nobody will speak of him if it
is possible to avoid it, and when pressed they all say
"it would be wiser for him not to return here - he
would
not
be molested in any way, but he would not find
his position agreeable." And yet they charge him with
nothing but protestantism & marriage. There is a long
stride from this state of things to real liberality.
Sunday May 4th
We drove this afternoon to the Venaria Reale
once a magnificent place, but in a ruinous condition
since the French Revolution - it deserves another day
which we hope to give to it. Mr Marsh went to
hear the
a
lecture of Ferrara on the political writers
of Italy in the 13th century - very interesting.
Monday 5th May
A search - unsuccessful - for the villa of
the de Bunsens took us this afternoon to a most charming
country-seat high up the Collina towards Moncaliere [Moncalieri].
The ascent was steep, but the road good, and the view
from the villa enchanting. The garden was in admirable
condition, and
all
a-blush with climbing roses which seemed to
cover every wall and wreathe every window. This Collina
abounds in the most glorious sites for summer residences.
Tuesday May 6th
Mr Edward Jones & family of N.Y. were here yesterday
and are to leave for Paris this evening - persons of refined
manners & kind hearts, and free from the swell which
makes so many a rich American an object of ridicule
in Europe. We were to have joined Mrs Stanley and
party on an excursion to the Superga this morning
but could not. In the evening we went, as we
did last evening, into our theatre to hear Scriveneck
who is here again for a few nights. Mr Tourte and
Schmidthals came to our box, and it seemed quite like
winter gaieties again.
Wednesday May 7th
A most quiet day at home - disturbed only by
anxiety about affairs at in our own country which look
less promising. May the hearts of our people grow strong
in proportion to the danger that threatens within & without.
Thank God there are still some unselfish, truth-loving
souls left even in jealous, ungenerous England. Lady Estcourt
writes me to-day, "I watch the Federal successes with the utmost
loyalty." and Lady Lyell writes to a friend here,
Mme Pulszky,
"I am so pained
by the ungin ungenerous, the unjust, the untrue remarks
which I hear in England hourly on the great American
question, that I sometimes wish I could leave my country till
this contest is settled, or till my countrymen show more
love for truth."
Thursday 8th May
Staid at home all day in a sort of half expectation
of Lady Estcourt's arrival from Pisa. The temperature is now
most delicious - the thermometer from 70 to 75 day after day.
The benefit for Scriwaneck went off very well this evening.
'Les brouillés depuis Wagram' was extremely well done - but the
court-scenes in a subsequent play were most absurd.
Every body is talking about the enthusiasm and the gaiety at
Naples - and if it were not for the money difficulty I should
half regret that we are not there to see. Rattazzi
has just given great satisfaction to us protestants by confirm
ing a grant of land in Naples for the site of a Protestant
Church - the grant having been made by Garibaldi when he
was
dictator. The Minister says, that, having sent a Commission
to Naples to see that no private or public wrong would be
done by this gift, he is happy to say that he finds only
good can come of it, and therefore an English Church
may be built at once.
Friday May 9th
Mrs Tottenham told me this morning about a very
low imposition practised upon Sir James Hudson by one of
the young men of the French Legation some time last autumn.
An extremely pretty girl carried a letter to Sir James signed
by the French Legation giving a very touching history of the girl
and begging Sir James to assist her to return to her friends, &
saying that the French Legation would be most happy to do
as much in return if any English subject should
at any future time
be in
like distress. The kind, generous-hearted Sir James talked a
few moments with the girl who acted her part of injured innocent
so well as to confirm entirely the statements in the letter. Sir James
then sent to the French Legation - as the most delicate way of aiding
the girl - by Capt. Smallwood, a sum of money quite sufficient
to send her safely to her friends. A few days after Capt. Smallwood
met Mademoiselle on the arm of one of the young men of the
F. Legation under circumstances more than suspicious. He
reported at once to Sir James, who, of course at once
immediately
sent
to the proper quarter for explanations. It turned out that
the interesting young person had long been living au frais
of the noble employé of the French government, and whether
the trick upon Sir James was merely to supply the fair one
with some little bijou that her protector could not for the
moment indulge her in, or whether it was a complot
to injure the character of Sir James does not appear. To
the credit of the F. government however the young man was
at once recalled.
Saturday May 10th
My most intelligent visitor to-day was
Mr Levi - deputato - an Israelite I doubt not, but
a man of knowledge & sense. He is in a state of
intense excitement about the American struggle, and
tells us, what every body tells us, that the Italians are
as unanimous in their sympathy with American as they
are in their determination to have a free & united Italy.
He is very anxious that our Government should take some
steps to secure more attention & more justice from the
European press. He says the course of England during
this rebellion of ours, and the course of the allied Powers
in Mexico should teach us that our policy of non-in
-terference has not saved us from the jealous hate of the
of the former, as well as of the latter, and henceforth we
shall have to regard ourselves as most deeply concerned in
European politics. In the friends of liberty we shall have
friends, - in a haughty aristocracy, or in a tyrannical despo-
tism, only enemies through all time. From the United States
of America came the electric spark that shook the thrones of
the old world in the last half century - from them came
steam, from them the electric telegraph, those mighty agents
in human progress, and from them must come yet greater
benefits to Europe.
Sunday May 11th
A little rain for a great rarity, but it did not
bring the expected Secretary, Mr Clay. No telegram from
America either which is a disappointment.
Monday May 12th
This morning came the long-expected Mr
Clay. My imagination has been very busy ever since we
heard of his appointment. Sometimes fancy has painted
him a dashing, roaring young scion of the West, well acquain
-ted
with society as it is in those parts, at other times I have
thought he might be one of the many young Americans
who have travelled a good deal in Europe some with, some
without profit, and sometimes I have feared he might
prove a mere Gorilla. Alas for human calculations.
He is not in the least like either of my fancy sketches.
A tall and very handsome boy, possibly twenty one
but looking younger, modest but not awkward in manner
though
not
without certain strongly marked westernisms in
dress and language. He knows a very little French, but
cannot speak a word of it, and Italian is a strange
to him as would he the speech of the angels.
There is, however, something so gentle, so confiding, in
his full dark-brown eyes that he excites interest at once,
and if he has the necessary energy & industry to fit
himself for his duties official & social, he may make
an accomplished man. There is, on the other hand, a
certain spoiled child air about him, which makes me
fear he has no habit of doing anything which is not
agreeable at the moment. We shall do every thing in
our power to help the young man on, but certainly
to make a person of his age & experience secretary
of Legation seems a strange thing
The Abbé Baruffi told us this evening, without
expressing the least doubt as to the truth of what
he was stating, that Gen Goyon did tell the Pope
that the Emperor of the French had determined to
withdraw his troops from Rome, that the Pope
at once telegraphed his Nunci in Paris. The latter
went instantly to the Empress who fainted on being
told the news and was senseless for three quarter's of
an hour. The Emperor was then induced
to
delay the
withdrawal. The Abbé however evidently believes the day
near at hand, and his means of knowledge as a priest, and
his sympathy for the Pope make us attach some weight
to his opinion.
Tuesday, 13th May
We were to have fled into the wilderness to-day
to give Moses a chance to take up his carpets - Moses,
whom we have kept off for a fortnight, - Mr Marsh says
by means of bacon-fumes - but in fact by prayers and promises -
from taking possession of his precious floor-cloths.
We did want to escape the confusion of this household
change from winter to summer, but when at last, the
all-important Alex - was cured of his boil and the lagging
secretary had arrived and was taught how to visá
a passport, then the envious heavens grew black, and
unless we go in thunder lightning & in rain we must
give it up till to-morrow.
Wednesday 14th May
Still a pouring rain and we are obliged to
admit Shylock as we dare not make further promises.
The confusion is edifying. Mr Sidney Brooks comes
in the midst of it, and to my great comfort hears Mr
M's opinion of the truly true policy of our Gov. Fortunately
Mr Brooks is a true gentleman & therefore may be talked
with even on subjects upon which one differs from him.
Between 2 & 5 the clouds break a little & the sun
looks faintly out. Thereupon a rush of visitors such
as I have not had for a week - one or two I
not a little sorry to miss - Madame Farina for instance -
but admission at that moment was out of the question
there not being a quiet corner in which to seat her.
Just after dinner came Miss Arbesser and was of course
told I did not receive etc, etc, but she courageously in-
sisted that her name should be taken to me, and
as my own reading-cabinet was reduced to something
like order we 'took her in'. She was full of enthusiasm
as usual, and said she had quantities of curious
things to tell
me,
only she could not stay this time, as she
had another visit to make and must be at the
palace again at eight. Just then a most blinding
flash of lightning with thunder to match, followed
by a mild type of deluge, decided her to give up
the other visit & I was to send her home in the
carriage a little before eight. Among other experiences
since our last evening together, she had been to see
Madame Pasta once so celebrated in the musical
world. While waiting in the drawing-room for the
old lady to appear, she occupied herself with studying
of a portrait of the artist taken when she was at
the zenith of her fame. She describes it as remarkably
lovely, and says she was just saying to herself, "no
wonder my father admired her so much!" when
a round little old woman rolled in, with a
moustache that would have excited the envy of most
young men of twenty five, and a voice rough as
an old admirals - and this was Pasta! She found
her lively & pleasant, and ready to talk of the past, but
could not discover one remant of the grace & taste that
that [sic] might have been looked for even when her beauty had
utterly faded. Pasta has a daughter married to a very respectable
engineer in Turin, and they have a daughter whose is said
to
have
something of her grandmother's talent for music. This child
receives lessons from Madame Unio, wife of Unio the court-pianist,
who also gives lessons to the princess Margaret. Miss Arbesser,
who had heard of the extraordinary performances of this child, and
who knew her parents to be in every way honorable if not noble,
asked Madame Unio if she would not bring her little pupil
some day to play for the princess. The teacher promised to do
so the next time she came to give Madame Margaret a lesson
which would be the day but one following. In the mean
time Miss Arbesser spoke incidentally of the arrangement to the Duchess.
Her R.H. exclaimed - "Oh, my dear, that will never do! You must
indeed make some excuse! - it will never do!" Miss A, was
confounded - "Will your R.H. explain?" "Why, I should at once
be called to account for such a breach of court-etiquette."
"But it would be no breach [of etiquette] for a princess of the house
of Austria, or of England to listen to the playing of a talented child of
her own age even if she were not noble." "You are quite
very
right" said the Duchess, "but here, I assure you it is quite different
If that or any other little girl of Madame Margaret's age, not nobly
born, should be introduced into the palace in the way you
propose, depend upon it, it would cause me much annoyance."
Her Royal Highness then went on to say that, last summer at
Stresa Count Borromeo brought with him his own little son
[and] the son of a Milanese friend of his to see the child duke
of Genoa. The governors of the little Duke found out
somehow, that the little playmate of the young Borromeo
wh was not of noble blood, and such was the storm
raised about it that she herself was obliged to tell Count
Borromeo the whole affair and beg him not to bring the child again!
torino il di 19 Maggio
Egregia Signora!
Czedendo che il tempo pesco e piovoso le aura facto diferire l'escunkone biellese,
mi pametto presentarle il noro romanzo americano, l' Allumeur de reverbirel
di cui Ella mi fece molsi encomi.
Le auguro di more una paite della viva soddisfazione che ho gustato nel
leggere questo grazioto libretto tutte le paqine spirano religione, benevo leuza,
civilia vera; Ella vi trovera probabilmente qualche cosa di piu nella pettura
di una societa e di luoghi a lei maggiorenente nos?. Gli u?oni cap??oli
poi mi hanno commosso specialmente fino a farmi vorpare lagrime
in copia. Le piccole macchie del libro sono dovute al fango di cui
pirono imbrattate le mie pooere camere nella triste circopanza dell' incendto.
Aggadisca l'espre?zone della mia passicolare considerazione, mi zammenti
al degnipimo di lei Sigi Consorte e mi onori di credermi sempre
Della S.U. primar??
devos?? ed a?tez Servisore
G F Baruffi
Poor Miss Arbesser was obliged to go in person to Madame Unio
and then to the parents of the little prodigy to explain and
apologize as she best could. After hearing this story I could
not help exclaiming, "Is it possible that this is the Italian Court
in the nineteenth century - and reformed Italy too." "Oh," said
Miss A. "you shall hear more - and I will bring you proofs
too! you cannot come to me on account of your health - so
I will bring you some of the Jesuit books which the
poor princess had to use as text-books when I first came
to the palace. Yes, you shall see them with your own
eyes, or I should scarcely expect to be believed even by a
Protestant. You shall see how all history is falsified
how some of the most infamous crimes that have ever
disgraced humanity are - not palliated, excused - but
justified, commended, as done in God's service. And
what think you this unhappy child of nine years was studying -
this child who had never been taught where London, or Berlin
or Vienna was - ? The Revue Catholique! - yes, I assure
you, she was expected to read every day a certain number
of pages of that Review & then to answer questions upon it.
The unprincipled devote who had the charge of her
seemed to hope to make up for her own shortcomings
by forcing works of supererogation on her royal victim."
I said, "Was Her R.H. the mother, aware of all this?" "No,
of very little of it, but even if she had been, she could
not then have helped matters much. The Countess Monticello
had powerful family connections at Court, and was sustained
by the Codini secular & ecclesiastical, the Duchess herself
being looked upon with jealousy as an alien, and having no
right to interfere with the education of the royal scions of Piedmont.
Besides this, every pains had been taken to prevent any thing like [illegible]
maternal & filial intimacy between the mother & the child.
The Duchess had been told that her child was passionate & obstinate,
the princess that her mother was not satisfied with her
and that in her position it was not proper that she should be
troubled with children." "And how," I said, "was a change effected?"
"The medical attendant of Madame Margaret became satisfied
that she was very unhappy, & that her strange reserve was not
natural. At last he succeeded in drawing from her one morning,
as an explanation of her paleness & languor, the fact that she had
had no breakfast. The doctor asked further, and the princess
confessed that she had had but three breakfasts during the winter,
and this for punishment for various offences, but generally for failure
in prayers & catechisms. The doctor went directly to the duchess
and told he had long suspected that the young princess was treated
with too much severity by her gouvernante, that he was now
certain of it. The duchess took counsel of friends and Miss Arbesser
I
was recommended to her. She wrote to me at once, giving her
reasons for being dissatisfied with the Countess Monticello, but
saying at the same time she could not offer me her
place - that she could only get permission to have a
young lady with the princess as institutrice but the Countess
must still be gouvernante. I came for three months
by way of experiment. Before I had been in the palace
one month I went one morning to my writing-desk &
turning over some papers it struck me that they must have
visited by some one. I searched further & found certain
letters missing - among them the very letter first written me by
the duchess. I examined my key as I drew it out - there was
wax upon it. I went to her R.H. and told what I had
discovered. I knew it might be thought an intrigue of
my own, but I trusted in truth to vindicate herself. The
duchess immediately summoned the maids of all the ladies who
had access to her own app apartments and examined
them
very strictly and with great dexterity. The Countess Mon-
-ticello's woman confessed that, at the direction of her
mistress, she had taken an impression in wax from
my lock & from the keys of the duchess herself! This brought
matters to a crisis. The Countess was told that when her presence
was again desired at court she would be sent for.
I then told her R.H. that I was satisfied I could be of no
real service to the princess if I was to be under the
direction of a gouvernante, & though I was quite contented
with the name of institutrice, I could only retain my
position with the understanding that I was to have no superior
but herself in the management of Madame Margaret.
This was settled and I now remain till some Jesuitical
intrigue displaces me." And I said to myself, 'that will
not be long if you are dealing frankly with me'.
Miss Arbesser then gave me a description of the way
in which the princess was taught to pray - the things
prayed for, the length of time given to it, the litany
to be repeated on her knees by way of punishment etc
all of which she persuaded the duchess to become
an unseen eye-and-ear-witness of. Not very long after
the retirement of the Countess Monticello, the princess,
in one of her moments expansion said to Miss A -
I give Miss A's own words. "Mademoiselle,
I was very wicked before you came to me - I was
indeed - I was so wicked that I dared not even tell
my confessor, but I will tell you. I used to
pray God to kill that naughty Countess - I could
not help it!"