Much interest is felt and expressed for them here, and I have no doubt, as they are all exiles for political offences, they will receive a cordial welcome on our shores.
I take the liberty not only to call your attention to them, but to request that you will be so good as to deliver, as early as possible after their arrival, the enclosed letter to one of them, Mr. Luigi Settembrini. The letter is from Mr. Panizzi, the Chief Officer of the British Museum, who takes a deep interest in them all, but more especially in Mr. Luigi Settembrini and Baron Carlo Poerio, both gentlemen of distinction, the latter formerly a Minister of State.
The letter to Mr. Settembrini contains matters of importance, and will direct him and others to Messrs. Brown Brothers & Co. where they will find something to their advantage.
I will only add that some little apprehension has been expressed lest the manner in which the King of Naples has sent these unfortunates to our shores might bring trouble upon them; but their misfortunes are too well known to warrant the belief that exiles for political opinions will be opposed on their landing in the Land of Freedom.
They will not be destitute, thank God, when they land. Besides the sum of fifty dollars given by the King to each one, they will be provided for by private hands.
I remain, &c., &c.,
Henry Stevens
(Of Vermont).”
It was on board the “Stromboli” that Poerio and Settembrini met for the first time since their captivity. Little opportunity was, however, afforded for the moment of renewing their acquaintance with each other, for the former, shortly after his arrival on board, was seized with severe illness, and compelled to keep his bed.
It is pleasing to relate an instance of true kindness and humanity on the part of at least one officer connected with the Neapolitan Government, and to record that Ferdinando Cafiero, Commander of the “Stromboli,” directed that his illustrious prisoner should be placed in his own (the captain’s) cabin.