Sir Moses felt much depressed in spirits; Lady Montefiore was weak and ill. The Passover festivals commenced, and they were both anxious for the safety of the Hebrew community. A lady who had dined with them the previous night was so much alarmed as to dread returning home to the Ghetto. Two gentlemen, besides her husband and a lady, had to walk with her to see her safely home.
In a telegram Sir Moses sent to his friends on the 17th inst., he said, "Suspense and perplexity still prevent me from writing."
He invited several friends to dine with them, and be present at the recital of the history of the exodus from Egypt, in conformity with Biblical injunction, and attended the morning service each day in the Synagogue, no further disturbance having taken place in the vicinity.
Wednesday, April 20th.—On his return from Divine worship in the morning, Lord Stratford de Redcliffe paid them a visit. He had been with Cardinal Antonelli, and had spoken about Sir Moses. From what had passed he believed that his Eminence would see Sir Moses if the latter called on him; and would also have no objection to his being presented to the Sovereign Pontiff, but the Cardinal would have public duties to perform after that day which would prevent his receiving anybody at all till after the holidays. His Lordship said "between four and five o'clock would be the best time to go to him." Sir Moses told his Lordship that he was prevented from riding that day, and the walk was too far for him, as he was already much fatigued with a walk to and from the Synagogue. His Lordship replied that he did not usually have his carriage out on a Sunday, but he should think it right to do so on such an occasion. Sir Moses mentioned that he would, with his permission, see Mr Odo Russell, and ask him to present him to his Eminence, when he was able to go to him, which he might do after seven this evening. His Lordship approved of this, and remained more than half an hour chatting. Sir Moses afterwards renewed the conversation about his mission. His Lordship said he believed the question of the Mortara case was considered as completely closed by his Eminence the Cardinal, and that it could not be re-opened after the discussion with the French Ambassador.
Sir Moses expressed himself truly thankful to Lord Stratford, for he was sure if it were in his power he would in every way promote the success of his mission, which, Sir Moses said, he had every reason to fear was quite hopeless.
After his Lordship had left, Mrs Chambers, the wife of Dr Chambers, and her sister Miss Maitland, paid Lady Montefiore a visit; also several gentlemen, whom Sir Moses met at her evening party. "All concur," Sir Moses says, "in the general opinion of the great amiability of the Prince of Wales." As Mrs Chambers remembered the circumstance of Sir Moses having sent her many years since some Passover biscuits, he promised to send her some again, as he had brought with him a sufficient quantity from London. Many Christians like them very much.
I remember having once seen over the shop of a Passover biscuit baker in London an inscription on a shield to the effect that he had the distinguished honour of being appointed Passover biscuit baker to Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester.
The Jews in Rome, however, did not enjoy the Passover biscuits much that year, nor for that matter any other food.
The President of their community, Signor Samuel Alatri, paid Sir Moses a visit, and appeared much alarmed, apprehending another attack on his community. Sir Moses offered to sleep in the Ghetto, so little fear had he, but Signor Alatri preferred going to the French General.
Returning again to the Mortara case, Sir Moses writes:—