MIL WILLIS'S ERRORS.
TO TIIE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.
Paris. 301 December 1t33.
SIR—In the review of Wiotis's Pencillings by the Way, in your paper of the 29th ultimo, it is said, " We wonder if the facts relating to strangers (at Rome and Naples) are true?" I have no hesitation in stating, in answer to that question, that there is no foundation whatever for the statement of the Yankee poet ! Since 1825, I have resided during two seasons at Naples, and in Rome every winter from 1827 to 1834; and during the whole of that period never heard of an attempt even at the assassination of an English- man, except in one solitary instance, when a young physician was attacked and severely wounded in the face, on the steps leading from the Pizza di Spagna to the Trinita da Monte, in December 1831. It is true that ma neuvres similar to those of the " swell mob" of London are sometimes successfullv practised in the streets at night, and in St. Peter's Church, during the Hay Week, and at other festive seasons; but I have frequently had occasion to be in the streets at very late hours, as well at Rome as at Naples, and never met with an adventure of any description whatever.
The assertion also that the Lazzironi are frequently seen dying in the streets of Naples, and " no one curious enough to look at them," is, I firmly believe, equally unfouuded? Eight or nine years ago there was not one of the Lusa-
Toni visible in the streets of Nees'el Ihey had all beet, converted law siaialtte- sailors, and potters, in Meaav's time ; and in 1827 the old race appeNttiof ico be extinct. It is true that et that period there were many very importunate beggars, particularly blind persons (" i poveri cieci,") infesting the streets; but I never saw one of them dying !
Bad as is the system of police both at Rome and Naples, and frequent u are the quarrels and assassinations among the lower ranks in those caaitals, I have thought it due to truth and justice thus to refute the false statement of the American traveller, respecting their treatment of strange:a, and particularly their English visiters.
I shall make no comment on the highly-coloured description of the occurrence* during Mr. WILLIS'S visit at Gordon Castle, except noticing the utter igno- rance which lie (ail/Noma° displays of the chivalric institution: of the country. He says the Duke of Gordon vets decorated with "the led ribbon of a Duke!"
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient, humble servant,
PHILALETHES.
• [The blunder about the red ribbon" was pointed out in the Spectator, in the first notice of Pencillinys b.!, the Way, on the 19th September.—En.)
Previous page
