Viscount Palmerston to Queen Victoria

LORD JOHN RUSSELL AND GARIBALDI

Downing Street, 13th February 1861.

Viscount Palmerston presents his humble duty to your Majesty, and begs to state that the Cabinet at its meeting this afternoon were of opinion that Lord John Russell's proposed letter to Garibaldi, as altered by Lord John, might do good, and could scarcely be attended with any material inconvenience, and that therefore it might go.

Footnote 8: It accordingly was sent in the following form:—

General,—You did me the honour, some time ago, to write me a letter, thanking me for a speech I made in Parliament.

I was not insensible to the value of that compliment. My present purpose however is not compliment.

I wish you seriously to reconsider your declaration that you propose to begin a war in the Spring.

It seems to me that no individual, however distinguished, has a right to determine for his country the momentous question of peace or war with a foreign State.

Italy, represented by a free Parliament, is about to assemble and declare her own sentiments and wishes.

It is surely for the King and the Parliament together to decide on questions which may involve all Europe in bloodshed.

I cannot believe that you will be the man to give the signal of dissension in Italy. I remain, General, your obedient Servant,

John Russell.

The reply received was as follows:—

Caprera, 4th March 1861.

Noble Lord,—Italy owes you much gratitude. You, however, judge me somewhat harshly; giving credence to rumours which attribute to me projects that are not known to any one.

I hope to make war again for my country. But I desire that you, deserving as you are of my esteem and attachment, should believe that I will not undertake anything which may injure or be in contradiction with the rights of the King and Parliament of Italy.

I do not love war, Minister, but, in the present condition of my country, it appears most difficult to constitute her in a normal manner, without war.

I am sure that Italy is able to make her war of liberation even this year. The person who directs does not feel the same certainty, and I leave it to you to weigh his motives. I, if I am not called upon by events, shall continue in my retreat, and I will, in every way, endeavour to gain your good-will, and that of the generous nation to whom my country owes so much, etc., etc., etc. I am your devoted Servant,

G. Garibaldi.