Naples

2598 — 20 July 1824; Naples. For Hamilton 1777-1859 Treasurer of the Royal Institution and one of the Trustees of the British Museum see Boase's 'Modern English Biography'. He was secretary to Lord Elgin in Constantinople recovered the Rosetta Stone from the French and aided in collecting and removing the Elgin Marbles from Athens. 3 pages 16mo. Creased but in good condition. Begins by saying that a few years ago Stuart introduced Charles Rothschild to him 'but it was probably at the request of his brother as he has now asked me to introduce him to you'. Rothschild has been in Naples ever since: Hamilton praises his character and conduct warmly. He sends his 'last dispatch': 'This neighbourhood produces little or nothing new: whilst you are still as ever living in the vortex of politics & intrigues - of changes in constitutions & revolutions stiffled in their birth or diverted by the address of parties or the fears of kings.' 'You will very soon have an Ambassador's place to give away as M. de <Serse> is at Death's door.' A discussion of the Ambassador's illness follows. 'You have already or will soon have with you - my cousins the <Harowbys> & Ryders - who are now I am happy to say for their sakes are sic also become yours. and I hope they will spend the Autumn or Winter in Naples. It is a delightful time of the year to be here - the weather fine and the country accessible in all directions. Our steam boat <w.> Palermo bids fair to succeed admirably.' Two more sentences conclude the letter. 20 July 1824; Naples. unknown