I earnestly hope for some expression of sympathy from my country toward Italy.  Take a good chance and do something; you have shown much good feeling toward the Old World in its physical difficulties,—­you ought to do still more in its spiritual endeavor.  This cause is OURS, above all others; we ought to show that we feel it to be so.  At present there is no likelihood of war, but in case of it I trust the United States would not fail in some noble token of sympathy toward this country.  The soul of our nation need not wait for its government; these things are better done by individuals.  I believe some in the United States will pay attention to these words of mine, will feel that I am not a person to be kindled by a childish, sentimental enthusiasm, but that I must be sure I have seen something of Italy before speaking as I do.  I have been here only seven months, but my means of observation have been uncommon.  I have been ardently desirous to judge fairly, and had no prejudices to prevent; beside, I was not ignorant of the history and literature of Italy, and had some common ground on which to stand with, its inhabitants, and hear what they have to say.  In many ways Italy is of kin to us; she is the country of Columbus, of Amerigo, of Cabot.  It would please me much to see a cannon here bought by the contributions of Americans, at whose head should stand the name of Cabot, to be used by the Guard for salutes on festive occasions, if they should be so happy as to have no more serious need.  In Tuscany they are casting one to be called the “Gioberti,” from a writer who has given a great impulse to the present movement.  I should like the gift of America to be called the AMERIGO, the COLUMBO, or the WASHINGTON.  Please think of this, some of my friends, who still care for the eagle, the Fourth of July, and the old cries of hope and honor.  See if there are any objections that I do not think of, and do something if it is well and brotherly.  Ah!  America, with all thy rich boons, thou hast a heavy account to render for the talent given; see in every way that thou be not found wanting.

LETTER XVIII.

REFLECTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR.—­AMERICANS IN EUROPE.—­FRANCE, ENGLAND,
POLAND, ITALY, RUSSIA, AUSTRIA,—­THEIR POLICY.—­EUROPE TOILS AND
STRUGGLES.—­ALL THINGS BODE A NEW OUTBREAK.—­THE EAGLE OF
AMERICA STOOPS TO EARTH, AND SHARES THE CHARACTER OF THE
VULTURE.—­ABOLITION.—­THE YOUTH OF THE LAND.—­ANTICIPATIONS OF THEIR
USEFULNESS.

This letter will reach the United States about the 1st of January; and it may not be impertinent to offer a few New-Year’s reflections.  Every new year, indeed, confirms the old thoughts, but also presents them under some new aspects.