"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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