Publication InformationTurin May 4 65

Page 1

Dear Powers

On the receipt of the intelligence of George's death we sent you the printed notice, but between cares and sorrow I have not hitherto been able to make up my mind to write you.

Georges death was accompanied with circumstances most painful to the heart of a parent, and I feel it as a blow from which I cannot hope to recover in this life. I expected to have visited the US this summer but my application for leave of absence was refused, and I must

confess that I felt so completely unable to bear the trials to which a return would now expose me that the refusal was rather a relief than a disappointment to me.

It is possible that we may still go, but I do not expect it, unless the new administration should conclude to make general changes. This however, I do not expect, & next fall will probably find us settled at Florence

We shall spend the summer off & on, but I do not think I shall visit the new capital before the 25. of May, & shall then stay only a day or two.

The news of President Lincoln's death shocked, indeed, but did not in the least surprise me. It is a natural expression of the brutal ferocity engendered by slavery, and every secessionist, every copperhead, every European sympathiser, with treason & rebellion, must bear the burden of guilt as an accomplice in this great crime.

I am glad to see that Prest Johnson will probably treat such of the leading rebels as he can catch with merited severity. Most of them will probably abscond, but some I trust may be made to serve as

examples.

I hope the loyal Americans at Florence do not spare the traitors, and I trust all Europe will treat them with the abhorrence they deserve.

All European are hostile to us, all enlightened patriots with us. Our triumph over the rebellion, including the firmness with which the nation & its institutions have borne this last thrust, is the hardest blow that Old World despotism has received since the time of Luther, & I hope we shall soon see democracy vigorous & flourishing on this side the sea. The Opinione--a base & malignant journal--has a good

[The following is written at the top of the page beginning "Turin May 4 65"] letter from Prof. [Batta?] of New York this morning. I send you a copy. Mrs Marsh joins me in kind regards to you all.

Geo P Marsh

H Powers &

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