[To the Editor of the SPECTAToR.] Sue,—In reply to "
W. A. P.," permit me to point out that a book entitled Napoleon at St. Helena and Sir Hudson Lowe, now probably out of print, by William Forsyth (1853), vindicates, with a completeness which no impartial mind can withstand, Sir Hudson from the ill-considered charge that he treated his prisoner with harshness, severity, or want of courtesy or consideration.
The author quotes a well-authenticated conversation between Count Montholon and the Generl, who earnestly sought to allay the puerile spite exercised against him by Napoleon. " Mon cher General, if the angel Gabriel came down from heaven to rule us we should quarrel with him." It was the role of the French entourage to promulgate ill-treat- ment against all truth and reason. O'Meaia's Voice from St. Helena was a tissue of falsehoods so disgraeeful to the writer that he was dismissed from His Majesty's Service.
Lord Rosebery's verdict is inconclusive ; Ludwig merely echoes yelps formerly raised by partisans for partisan purposes.
When I explored St. Helena I found the island beautiful and fertile in aspect, Napoleon's residence a pleasant site, and the climate salubrious.—I am, Sir, &c., 25 Meyrick Park Crescent, HExRY KNOLLYS,
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