TUE PREROGATIVE OF MERCY.
_London, 27th January 1857.
Sm—On this occasion I will not apologize for requesting the favour of a small space in your valuable columns ; feeling persuaded that the following suggestion will meet with your cordial and entire approbation, or I have read the generous and philanthropic sentiments of the Spectator for a period of twenty-one years to little or no purpose. Briefly, Sir, I would suggest that her Majesty should be advised to follow the praiseworthy example of the Emperor of Austria in granting a general amnesty to political oflenders in the Lombardo-Venetian territories, by her Majesty granting a full pardon and free discharge to all deserters from the Army and Navy, excluding those (as the Emperor of Austria has wisely done) who, in addition to their military crime, have been guilty of felony. By such exercise of the Royal clemency, hundreds if not thousands of Unwilling self-expatriated fellow subjects would be enabled to return to their relations and friends; and in greater number those who have in a thoughtless moment, deserted from regiments stationed in British North America, and who have settled in the United States, many of whom may be now "stricken in years," to whom the privilege of dying under the flag that has braved for a thousand years the battle and the breeze" may still be some -consolation.
I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient humble servant,
W. BRYAN COOKE.
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