[A]
[Footnote A: "Mr. Mazzini's character and habits and society are
nothing to the point, unless connected with some certain or probable
evidence of evil intentions or treasonable plots. We know nothing,
and care nothing about him. He may be the most worthless and the most
vicious creature in the world; but this is no reason of itself why
his letters should be detained and opened."--leading article, June 17,
1844.]
"It may tend to throw farther light on this matter if I now certify
you, which I in some sort feel called upon to do, that Mr. Mazzini is
not unknown to various competent persons in this country; and that he
is very far indeed from being contemptible--none farther, or very few
of living men. I have had the honour to know Mr. Mazzini for a series
of years; and, whatever I may think of his practical insight and skill
in worldly affairs, I can with great freedom testify to all men that
he, if I have ever seen one such, is a man of genius and virtue, a man
of sterling veracity, humanity, and nobleness of mind; one of those
rare men, numerable unfortunately but as units in this world, who are
worthy to be called martyr-souls; who, in silence, piously in their
daily life, understand and practise what is meant by that.
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