Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Margaret Fuller Ossoli

From Madame Ossoli.

... Yesterday the family were at dinner below, and our darling asleep above in bed. I was sitting at his side thinking how dear he was. Since I have bathed him and dressed him well, he has seemed like another child. Suddenly I heard tables and seats falling and the women screaming terribly, “Help!” I flew down, and there stood Niccola and Pietro [two brothers] trying to kill one another. I spoke to Niccola, he did not answer, but looked at me like a wild beast. The women held his arm so that he could not draw his knife; he seized their hair. Pietro, who had no knife, threw wood — a great piece just missed my head. All the neighbors ran in directly. The landlord of Niccola took away his knife, but if our baby had been below, he would probably have been killed. I am convinced that Niccola is a drunkard. I cannot tell you particulars in writing, but I want to see you.

From the same.-both in Rome.

Casa Dies, Friday, 4th May, 2 P. M.

Mio Caro,--I am going out at four, and return at six, and shall be here an hour. At half-past 7 I go to the hospitals, and hope to return at nine. If you come while I am gone out, wait for me, if possible, if not, come up and leave a word to say when you can come to-morrow morning. Do not fail to see me, I pray; it is terrible to pass so many uncertain hours without meeting. It is said that the Neapolitans do not advance, but all seems so uncertain. Always, always your M-. If ever you have need, send some one immediately, dearest; we can pay for this.