_April 9._--Mr John Abel Smith having given Sir Moses' letters of introduction to Mr Pentland, the latter called, and said that he was perfectly acquainted with the case, and had spoken with the boy. In his opinion there was no hope of getting the boy, but every effort should be made to obtain a pledge that such a proceeding should not be sanctioned in future. He appeared to think that Sir Moses should see the French Ambassador, and obtain his support, he having taken so active a part in the matter by order of the Emperor. Sir Moses, however, did not approve of that. "I am," he said, "so much of an Englishman that I prefer the English representation, and would only act in accordance with the advice of Mr Russell."
Mr Pentland, whom Sir Moses took to be an Irishman, was a highly educated man of elegant and agreeable manners. He was very much with the Prince of Wales, and said, "His Royal Highness was most amiable and talented, and very popular with the Roman nobility and people."
_April 11th._--Sir Moses received the following letter from Lord de Redcliffe:--
"MY DEAR SIR MOSES,--I return you herewith the Mortara memorial. The case appears to be so clear that, according to our notions, you ought to find no difficulty in obtaining justice; but judging from what reaches me in conversation, I fear it will require all your ability, energy, and experience to open the smallest prospect of success. With every good wish, I beg you will believe me, sincerely yours,
"Everything I hear and see," Sir Moses said, "unfortunately confirms the opinion given me before my arrival. I have not heard from any person since I left London that there was the slightest hope of success for my mission, and now fear that I may even be denied the opportunity of presenting the address of the Board to the Sovereign Pontiff. Should I fail in this object, my next endeavours must be to obtain an introduction by Mr Russell to the Minister, Cardinal Antonelli."
CARDINAL ANTONELLI DECLARES THE ABDUCTION OF THE CHILD MORTARA "A CLOSED QUESTION"--THE DELUSION ABOUT THE PASSOVER CAKES SPREADS TO ROME--UNEASY FEELING AMONG THE JEWS IN THAT CITY--SHAMEFUL ATTEMPTS TO GET UP TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM--INTERVIEW WITH CARDINAL ANTONELLI--SIR MOSES LEAVES ROME.
