“August 15, 1853.
“My dear Rutherfurd,
“... I agree with you as to the deplorable state of affairs, both at home and abroad. The Government, beaten regularly twice a day, is brought into contempt. Lord Palmerston has fallen very much in public opinion; his escapade last Christmas has done him very great harm. He is considered by all his friends the very worst Home Secretary that ever was. As to foreign affairs, things are bad. The allied powers are at the feet of Austria, who will never make war on Russia except the infamy is submitted to by France and England guaranteeing Austria all her dominions. I hope that England will not join in it, but I think France will do it, and the guarantee of France is the important one. Here Liberals are at a discount....”
Ever thine,
A. Panizzi.”
“September 12, 1853.
“My dear Rutherfurd,
... I told Lord John, Lord Clarendon, Granville, Lansdowne, and Palmerston, that Austria would never make war against Russia, now they have allowed her to make herself the mistress of the situation, as the French say, and to seize two of her best provinces of her ally, who had by his own individual exertions driven the enemies from it. That is what they call backing their friends—Austria will take Russia’s side if England and France mean to press her too hard, in case they are victorious; should they be beaten, still worse. Delay is everything to Russia, and that has been gained for her by Austria, who sees that Turkey must fall to pieces, and has meanwhile got a share of the inheritance of the dying man before he dies.
Ever yours,
A. Panizzi.”