She repudiated the stigma of being thought a murderess, and believed that her act would be the means of saving thousands of lives.  She was dragged through the streets, taken to the executioner, and asked for the loan of his shears and cut off a lock of her hair.  When asked if she found the journey long, she replied with perfect composure, “Oh no, I am not afraid of being too late.”  Subsequently one of the Girondin deputies said of her, “She has killed us, but she has taught all how to die.”

[13] TROUBRIDGE’S BLUFF LETTER TO LORD NELSON.

“Pardon me, my Lord, it is my sincere esteem for you that makes me mention it.  I know you have no pleasure in sitting up all night at cards; why then sacrifice your health, comfort, purse, ease, everything, to the customs of a country where your stay cannot be long?  I would not, my Lord, reside in this country for all Sicily.  I trust the war will soon be over, and deliver us from a nest of everything that is infamous, and that we may enjoy the smiles of our countrywomen.

“Your Lordship is a stranger to half that happens, or the talk it occasions; if you knew what your friends feel for you, I am sure you would cut all the nocturnal parties.  Gambling of the people at Palermo is publicly talked of everywhere.  I beseech your Lordship leave off.  I wish my pen could tell you my feelings, I am sure you would oblige me.

    “I trust your Lordship will pardon me; it is the sincere esteem
    I have for you that makes me risk your displeasure.”

No reply, so far as is known, was ever sent to this outspoken letter.

[14] Castlereagh and Canning fought a duel.  Canning was wounded by a bullet in the leg, and it prevented Castlereagh from being an unpopular figure.  Indeed, he became for a time, in limited circles, popular.  Percival was assassinated.  Lord Liverpool was Prime Minister for fifteen years, and departed this life insane.  Canning was brilliant, witty, and eloquent, and his outlook was large.  It was said that he was spoiled by Pitt, and was consumed by vanity, and was broken by Tory calumniation.  Political, commercial, or social intrigue success is always followed by the most deadly reaction on those who practise or encourage it, and I trust that a merciful Providence will shield from the tragedies and maladies that came to some members of this former coalition those of the present, which apparently excels every other in its colossal efforts at doing harm.  The best brains are needed now, not romancers.

[15] Subsequent information has proved this statement wanted confirmation.

[16] Captain John Clavell, then first lieutenant of the Royal Sovereign.

[17] The lamented Sir Peter Parker, Bart., who fell in the Chesapeake in 1814, when captain of the Menelaus, leading his men against the Americans.

[18] “Napoleon in Exile,” vol. i. p. 56.