“At all events send me proof; be as critical, but as merciful, as you can.”
To Mr John Blackwood.
“Hotel d’Odessa, Spezzia, Aug. 3, 1863.
“I send you herewith a short paper on Italian affairs. Call it ‘Italian Letters’ or ‘Glances at Italy.’ or anything you like better.
“The adventure with De Langier was my own. I accepted the mission at the request of Sir G. Hamilton, and very narrowly escaped the cross of Saint Joseph from the Grand Duke.
“I hope you will like the paper, but I reckon implicitly on your frankness. I have got what, if I wasn’t so poor, I’d own to be gout in one knuckle, and cannot hold a pen without trembling. I’m off to sea to-night, but send me an early proof.”
To Dr Burbidge.*
“Casa Capponi, Florence, Aug. 13, 1863
* English chaplain at Spezzia.
“I have been looking for a quiet ten minutes to write to you, but it has not come yet, and so I send this off in petto.