H. U. Addington.”
Early in October Panizzi set forth on his journey.
Previous to his departure, Mr. Gladstone, who, it need hardly be said, took the deepest interest in his self-imposed mission, supplied him with the names of men of influence at Naples who were likely to be of the greatest service to him in attaining the object he had in view; these were Mr. Fagan and Signor Lacaita mentioned in the subjoined letters:—
“Fasque, September 24th, 1851.
“... I have just seen yesterday’s Times, and it seems the Neapolitan reply is ready and printed. I shall trust very much to you to aid me with matter for correcting it according to your inquiries in Naples. The persons on whose accuracy I am most disposed to rely are Mr. Fagan, at the Mission, and Signor Lacaita.... By this day’s post I have certain news of Poerio, from one who has seen him within a month; he was in hospital and allowed to walk for an hour or two detached from any other criminal, and carrying chains on him which my informant tells me weigh 20 or 25 pounds....”
Another letter, also from Mr. Gladstone, may be given, written four days before the last:—
“September 20th.
“I return Lord Shrewsbury’s letter. It is, I think, all things considered, very honourable to his candour, and I would hope you may do good through his means.... I earnestly hope the vindication and confutation will fall into your hands while you are on the spot. Here I shall be almost powerless to deal with the falsified details which it will probably produce.... I have had a good deal of interesting correspondence about my letters. Not the most pleasant of it is a letter from Mons. Guizot, very frank and kind, condemning outright my publication, and fully accepting the King of Naples, and all about him as a choice of evils. I have replied in terms which I hope will likewise be intelligible.
In Naples be sure to see and converse with Mr. Fagan of the Legation. Signor Lacaita, No. 3, Vico Tre Campane, a most excellent man, hunted by the Government....”
And October 3rd, 1851:—