British Miner and General Newsman : — 1862-09-27 (London, England)

THE CONDITION OF GARIBALDI.  A private letter has been received from Mr. P. A. Taylor, M.P., dated Spezzia, Sept. 17, the following extracts from which have been forwarded to us for publication :  "We went by boat to the fortress this morning, some five miles off. The General's room' and surroundings are too barrack-like for any idea of comfort as an Englishman understands it, but to a soldier these things neither seem nor are what they would seem and be to us under similar conditions. Still, I think there is too much bustle, too many managers, and so forth. I felt a want to put a despot there, who should rule with a firm hand, and with unseen and unheard authority. The main elements, however, of interest and affection are evidently there, and probably to hardly any other man could the little overmuch of bustle be so innocuous. His calm, his wonderful serenity of demeanour seem not to heed, still less to be excited by the surroundings. * * * *  " When' 'Mr. Partridge -Vvent into his room to examine the wound, I remained in an ante-room, not willing to add another to the already sufficient number. Presently, however, the examination being over, Garibaldi sent for me and held out his hand. I have already given you above, in two words, the impression produced at the moment, and returning afterwards—' wonderful serenity,' calm, courteous and tranquil; thankful for the least service rendered by any of his attendants—an utter absence of anything like the peevishness of a suffering man, yet without any appearance of pressure or the exercise of control over himself. It was an atmosphere of moral elevation.  " I expressed in a few words the profound sympathy we all feel for and with him, and which I felt justified in saying was shared by all England. He thanked me warmly, or rather earnestly, and said it was not the first time he had had to express his thanks to my country. I expressed also the hope that he would be able to maintain that quiet and rest so essential to his early recovery, as Italy and all of us would have much need of him. He acquiesced, and presently pointed to a seat by the bed, hoping I should 'pardon that he could not talk much.' The doctors soon concluded their consultation, and we took leave. "He appears less ill than I was prepared to find him, but his limbs are, they say, much fallen away. While we were there, he was supporting himself in a sitting posture, by grasping a rope stretched above him. He can bear no motion of the leg without great suffering, and there is evidence that the necessity of remaining in one posture is producing that soreness so distressing to the invalid. "A kind lady, Mrs. Schwabe, has already obtained a water-bed from Paris; and it is also to obviate this danger that I ask you to send out the surgical apparatus mentioned in my telegram. "The injury consists of a gun-shot wound, half an inch in length, over the internal ankle, which has been broken off, and the joint laid open. Some portion of the garments were driven into the wound, but the ball did not The wound is free from inflammation, and the patient is, as regards his general health, in a not unsatisfactory condition. The great necessity is perfect quiet. There have been rumours of an intention on the part of the Government to remove him. It can be but foolish rumour. There can be no such intention. It would be murder.  "Months must elapse before the injury can be cured, and there is fear that there may remain a stiff joint. The appearance of the wound is healthy, and the suppuration is also free and satisfactory. His condition is a httle under the mark, and I think Mr. Partridge will gradually try if he cannot stand a more generous diet. There has been no bleeding, which is a mercy—merely the application of leeches. * *  "The Government are acting very unwisely in maintaining, as I hear in several quarters they are, much mystery about Garibaldi's condition. I have seen a gentleman from Naples, who says, that much irritation prevails in the South, and especially in Sicily, under the idea that their hero is being intentionally neglected. I am persuaded that there is no ground for this. Two or three of his medical attendants are personal friends and. fellow-prisoners, so that there is not room for such suspicion, and the conduct I have referred to on the part of the Government, is the more incomprehensible and weak."