Rassegna storica del Risorgimento

Documenti italiani e americani
25
we have some strongly asserted reports today. Nofact coidd more fui tv demons-trote the progress ofliberal opinions in Europe and thepeaceful ìnfluence exercis-ed by the Emperor of Franco over its affairs tkan the positive refusai of the despotic governmcnts of that contìnent to interfere in behalf of prostrate royalty under the circumstances ofa revolution like that which has occurred in Sicily, and especiaUy as the Revotutionists are daily receiving the most liberal contributions of money jrom England and Franco, and contributions of arms and men front Northern Italy. It cannai be for a moment doubted that but for ilio restraìnt imposed by the powerful and commanding position of Franco, that bolli Austria and Spaia would promptly intervene either to crash the revolution or modify its results so as to preserve the integrity of the Kingdom and the authority oflhe King.,,
W. L. Patterson a John M. Daniel
Genoa, June 20, 1860. l>
Sir: Your despatch of the 18th inst., asking information in regard to three steamers reported in GaUgnani to havesailed from this pori, hearing the American flag, has been received and I hasten to givo you ali the information in my power.
On the 8th inst, Mr. Finzi and Mr. William De Rohan 2) a citizen of the U. S. from Philadelphia, appeared at this consolate and before me concluded and signed the contract of purchase on the pari of Mr. De Rohan of three stea­mers the Washington 469 59/100 tons, the Oregon 126 99/00 tons, and the Frank­lin 233 tons. The money was paid by Mr. De Rohan and a formai delivery of the vessels was mode into his hands. Of the Washington Mr. De Rohan took command himself and he appointed to the commands of the others Mr. J. W. Nevins, a native ofthe U. S., and Mr. Or egoni, a naturalized citizen of the U. S.
It was my private opinion that the purchaser of these vessels intended to employ them in the transportation of men and munitions from this to Sicily. At least rumor said so, But inasmuch as the conditions of the law were com-plied with and the contract of sale and purchase a valìd one, I could not allow my privale opinion as to the ultimate destination of these vessels to interfere to prevent my officiai confirmation of the purchase. Nor had I the righi to refuso.
These vessels clearedfrom this pori on the evening ofthe 9th inst. for Athens, Greece, hearing I am told the American flag, which their ownership and papers aulhorized them to wear. I am likewise credibly informed that after leaving this port ihey put into Cornegliano, a short distanae from this city, on the western coasi and took on board men and munitions of war. These vessels were, or at least two of them, the Washington and the Oregon, at Cagliari in the 11 th inst. J have heard nothing of them sirice.
1) Archivio Ambasciata nmericann, Roma.
*) Si veda, MABRABQ, Diploma tic relation*, eoe,. II, 526, 535.