The Sun.
London, England, 1861-07-04 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,—For many years past those wlo have watched the
progress of affairs in Italy must have marked out Baron
Ricasoli as a man of inflexible will, o' chivalrous nature,
and unquestionable patriotism. His ;elf-abnegation is re-
markable, even in Italy, and amongst ler leading politicians
and statesmen, who "strike fiery off ndeed," as compared
with those of other nations, for the )ossession and exhibi-
tion of that high quality of greatness
About a year since I was in cornnunication with Baron
Ricasoli, and the following extract 'rom a letter then re-
ceived may not, now that he has succeeded Count Cavour
in the Premiership of the kingdom of Italy, prove unin-
teresting to English readers :

"Fltrence, July 22, 1860.
"My dear Sir,— . . . I prize much the expression
of your spontaneous affection for ny native country, Italy.
That country is now in course of self-regeneration, to the
benefit of humanity at large, ant ere long will take her
place, a young and vigorous sister amidst the family of the
most civilised nations, confident d finding iv. her work of
regeneration an ever faithful aud ever earnest friend in
England. Satisfied that this conidence of my country will
not prove fallacious, it is a grateful duty fbr me to offer up
prayers for the felicity of the generous English nation, and
cordially press your hand as a token of that affection which
already unites the hearts of thos; peoples of which we form
a part. " BETTING RICASOLI.
" Mr. William Wilson, Londm."

Such are the sentiments of Italy's first subject towards
England ; and I doubt not hit that all those who have
watched that subject's career, and who love Italy, will
agree with me in thinking that in such pregnant and
troublous times it is indeed well that such men are.—l am,
sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM WILSON.
11, Royal Exchange, June 28.

ROYAL GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.

The present entertainment at this Gallery has
been highly successful, for seldom- have the Reeds
and John Parry appeared to greater advantage.
The author of the first piece, entitled " Our Card
Basket," represents a married couple, who have
handsomely furnished a villa at Richmond, and are
very anxious to form a circle of visiting acquaint-
ances. But nobody calls upon them, as nobody
knows their antecedents; and in this dilemma the
husband sends for a garrulous old lawyer to make his
will, in which he bequeaths so fabulous an amount
of property, and connects himself and his relations
so intimately with the aristocracy, that the once
deserted couple are enabled without difficulty to fill
their card basket. This very dramatic and light
sketch introduces a series of characters, which are
so ably sustained, that its success continues un-
abated, and repetition would appear to whet rather
than appease the desire to witness its represen-
tation. The range of character affords Mrs.
Reed ample opportunities to display her extra-
ordinary versatility of assumption. Her Miss
Clutchley earnestly expatiates upon the " advan-
tages of charity," and has the best of the argument
when she carries off a handsome donation. Her
French girl, who sings a very clever song by
Planche—her Miss Absynthe, the lisping belle of
a certain age, and her Sir Maurice Fledgling,
whose maiden speech, like a very bad pun, is wel-
come from its extravagance, are very cleverly con-
ceived in every detail with consummate art. In
" The Graces"—the Misses Pry who pay a visit to
the villa and discover the amusing characteristics
by which old maids have been scandalised " from
time out of mind," Mr. and Mrs. Reed and Mr.
Parry afford a rich treat to their pastimes. Mr.
Reed's hunting recital, and Mr. Parry's song of
Paterfamilias are agreeable features of the enter-
tainment, which is brought to a close by Mr.
Brough's very amusing " Illustration on Discord."
We recur to these performances not only on account
of their great merit, but the fact that the season
will soon close, and deprive those of our readers who
have not yet seen them of a rare opportunity of
enjoyment.