I return all; but I have not, I think, completely deciphered M. Mérimée’s important letter. If there is a flavour of bitterness in it, I cannot deny that it may be in some degree due to us. Instead of saying anything akin to what is complained of, I will merely point to topics of consolation, such as follow. In my opinion, under the present Ministry, no coalition will be formed against France. The English nation is really Italian in feeling; and in proportion as France is the same will there be a broader and firmer ground for concord and co-operation. The foolish alarms which have been unhappily prevalent in this country are abating by degrees. They implied a most extravagant compliment to France, and a compliment that I for one grudged her not a little. Lastly, the Commercial Treaty, if the work be completed by the French Government in the spirit of courage, sagacity, and good faith with which it has been begun, will, by processes all the more safe because they are quiet and gradual, lay the most solid foundations of active goodwill between the two countries. How much I desire that goodwill I can hardly tell you. France and England are the two really great Powers of Europe; and two such forces, if they move in severance from one another, cannot but disturb the political system. The case of Savoy and Nice was, as I think, an unhappy one; but if on the one side it may be said that it was exceptional, and if on the other calm reflection must admit that it has been made too much of, then every day that passes over our heads will have its healing power. On the whole, unless we have new faults and follies, we ought to do well in this all important matter. Yours most sincerely, W. E. GLADSTONE.” “I shall look anxiously for your next. In answer to a question which you reported about me, you might have said with truth that I am now denounced as one of the most dangerous and revolutionary characters in England.” Panizzi’s letter of September 30, above-quoted, was forwarded by Mérimée to M. Achille Fould, and in due course he replied, commenting on it. As the correspondence would be incomplete without this, it is inserted, but the contents scarcely call for any special remarks on our part. (For “Ferdinand,” _infra_, read “François.”) “4 Novembre, 1860. “Mon cher collègue,