4427. EBB to Theodosia Trollope
As published in The Brownings’ Correspondence, 26, 186–187.
Casa Guidi.
Monday morning. [?13 June 1859] [1]
My dear Mrs Trollope
Your indignation cannot exceed ours– The reputation for truth of English gentlemen seems about to perish with other traditions .. including treaties & red tape. [2]
My husband never writes for any newspaper—but he knows a writer for the Daily News, [3] to whom he will forward your statements at once .. facts of which we all are aware of the verity. On such an occasion he would willingly write, observe, giving his name as a witness, if he had been a witness, & if he had seen with his eyes the document in question– [4] As it is, his writing would not have the force of an authority. Why will not Mr Trollope, who was here at the time of the movement, write in his own name? And why above all, does not Mr Giudici [5] print what he holds in his hands, .. print at once & without waiting to get up a book? Delays are fatal in such cases, & his duty to the country is obvious & imperative.
I will not keep your servant– If we can do anything or if you still think so, let us know.
Affectionately yours ever
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Address: Madame T. A. Trollope– / Piazza dell’Independenza.
Publication: None traced.
Manuscript: Armstrong Browning Library.
1. Conjectural dating based on the assumption that in the first paragraph EBB refers to Lord Normanby’s speech (see note 2 below).
2. Presumably, EBB refers to a speech delivered by Lord Normanby in the House of Lords on 7 June 1859; see letter 4433, note 2.
3. Unidentified.
4. Perhaps the purported letter from the Grand Duke to General Radetzky (see letter 4425, note 15).
5. Paolo Emiliani Giudici (1812–72); see letter 2826, note 9.
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