“As to the result of the attempt of Italian unity, however, the movement here is a complete failure. Naples is at feud with Sardinia, Sardinia with Tuscany, Home with all these; and if there be one man in all Italy more hated than Carlo Alberto, it is the Pope. Pius IX. will in all likelihood be chassed this winter, and we shall have a Tipperary season of assassination—as the natural subsidence of a defeated outbreak—all over Southern Italy.
“We are going in a few days to Lucca and Via-Reggio for the sea-bathing, which, at least for a week or so, is a matter of necessity in this very roasting climate. The children have got the pale faces of the south already, and it is buying the Bocca Toscana somewhat dear to lose their roses at so early an age.
“I am hesitating about the sea for Cha. He is a boy of very remarkable capacity,—can learn anything, and at once,—and I really scruple at the thought of immolating good talent in such a grave as the Navy.”
To Mr Alexander Spencer.
“Casa Ximenes, Florence, Sept. 18, 1848.
“I have made a proposal to Chapman, but have not received his reply.
“If I could make any remunerative terms for a monthly series in a magazine, I could easily manage to gather some suitable materials. M’Glashan is, I suppose, a hopeless case. I have not been able to revisit London. I fancy I could easily make out such a class of engagement as would suit me, but the expense of the journey would be very considerable.
“It is very hard, under such circumstances, to write anything imaginative,—the stern cry of reality drowning the small whisperings of fancy. N’importe! I have pluck for almost anything when self-reliance will pull through, and I am resolved, if I can, not to be swamped.”
To Mr Alexander Spencer.
“Bagni di Lucca, Nov. 1, 1848.