Chapter 46

"Ravenna, July 23. 1821.

"This country being in a state of proscription, and all my friends exiled or arrested--the whole family of Gamba obliged to go to Florence for the present--the father and son for politics--(and the Guiccioli, because menaced with a _convent_, as her father is _not_ here,) I have determined to remove to Switzerland, and they also. Indeed, my life here is not supposed to be particularly safe--but that has been the case for this twelvemonth past, and is therefore not the primary consideration.

"I have written by this post to Mr. Hentsch, junior, the banker of Geneva, to provide (if possible) a house for me, and another for Gamba's family, (the father, son, and daughter,) on the _Jura_ side of the lake of Geneva, furnished, and with stabling (for _me_ at least) for eight horses. I shall bring Allegra with me. Could you assist me or Hentsch in his researches? The Gambas are at Florence, but have authorised me to treat for them. You know, or do not know, that they are great patriots--and both--but the son in particular--very fine fellows. _This_ I know, for I have seen them lately in very awkward situations--_not_ pecuniary, but personal--and they behaved like heroes, neither yielding nor retracting.

"You have no idea what a state of oppression this country is in--they arrested above a thousand of high and low throughout Romagna--banished some and confined others, without _trial_, _process_, or even _accusation_!! Every body says they would have done the same by me if they dared proceed openly. My motive, however, for remaining, is because _every one_ of my acquaintance, to the amount of hundreds almost, have been exiled.

"Will you do what you can in looking out for a couple of houses _furnished_, and conferring with Hentsch for us? We care nothing about society, and are only anxious for a temporary and tranquil asylum and individual freedom.

"Believe me, &c.

"P.S. Can you give me an idea of the comparative expenses of Switzerland and Italy? which I have forgotten. I speak merely of those of decent _living, horses_, &c. and not of luxuries or high living. Do _not_, however, decide any thing positively till I have your answer, as I can then know how to think upon these topics of transmigration, &c. &c. &c."

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