328 Mary Somerville. 



his political Opinions are those of the present day, his 

 religious opinions still before it. There are many parts 

 of the book which will please the general reader from 

 the graphic description of the manners and customs 

 of the time, as well as the narrative of his inter- 

 course with many of the eminent men of his day. 

 Your most dear father's affectionate remembrance of me 

 touches me deeply. I have but one regret, dear Jenny, 

 and that is that our dear William did not not live to see 

 the accomplishment of what was his dying wish ; but 



God's will be done We are all much as usual : I am 



wonderfully well, and able to write, which I do for a time 

 every day. I do not think I feel any difference in capacity, 

 but I become soon tired, and then I read the news- 

 papers, some amusing book, or work. . . . Everything is 

 flourishing in Italy, and the people happy and contented, 

 except those who were employed and dependent on the 

 former sovereigns, but they are few in comparison; and 

 now there is a fine army of 200,000 men to defend the 

 country, even if Austria should make an attack, but 

 that is not likely at present. Borne is still the difficulty, 

 but the Pope must and soon will lose his temporal 

 power, for the people are determined it shall be so. ... 

 I am, dear sister, 



Most affectionately yours, 



MAKY SOMERVILLE. 



To MBS. ELLIOT, of Rosebank, Roxburghshire. 



