Letter from Maria Tunno, Rome, to Charlotte Susannah Raikes, 1821 March 2 : autograph manuscript signed.

Postscript at head of page sharing that she wrote to Mrs. G. Barnett a few days ago and seems disappointed that she has not heard from her despite having written her repeatedly. Body of letter expressing concern about Charlotte Susannah after hearing from her mother that she is unwell from nursing Mr. Raikes, who has gout; lamenting that gout cannot be subdued by Mr. Raikes' care and temperance; hoping that if she is not feeling well enough to write, that Charlotte will write instead; reassuring Charlotte Susannah that she occupies her thoughts; expressing concern about the post and noting that she will drop this particular letter off herself, though she "has no reason to suspect any of our servants of not delivering our letters into the Office where I have no doubt the mischief exists"; stating that the last letter she received from her was dated 25 December, and giving her information about where to send future letters; relaying that Austrian troops are marching daily through Rome and that most warlike rumors prevail; describing a "sugarplumb warfare" (joking about Italian Carnival sweets) that is now the more immediate care of the Romans; describing the sugar almonds and the way the carriages pull up to the Corso (Via del Corso, the main street in the historical center of Rome) at three o'clock so friends can pelt each other with "ammunition from the confectioners"; describing how there are masks in the carriages and worn by the pedestrians, and though she has not found much entertainment in this, Edward and Augusta have been very active; they wore masks to one event, but she prefers unmasked proceedings; describing the lack of wit at recent masked balls, remarking that "A mask may give a longer nose or an additional grin, but I am pretty certain that it bestows neither brains, or a genuine smile"; describing how she put on a mask to walk in the throng, but was immediately recognized by friends, whereas Edward figured off in character undiscovered despite his height; confessing that she had never been to a masquerade before this, though she doesn't regret it; noting that private parties have kept them busy, such as that of the Duchess of Devonshire, the Prince of Denmark, the Austrian Ambassador, and Lady Drummond; she regrets that there is "little society" among the Italians, though she has a few pleasant acquaintances in the literary world, "one among whom has just sent me his translation of Milton, and who is himself quite an original"; noting how everything connects to her early studies and impressions, and how exciting it is when memory doesn't align with the facts at hand; describing the picturesque ruins that might interest a poet or painter; noting the public tombs erected on private roads and wondering if this tradition stems from the Roman contempt for death; sharing that they are in good health and have not caught colds despite friends catching colds; remarking that her mother is cold in Paris and Rosa is suffering from "an atmospheric complaint in her eyes from which she is only now recovering"; stating that their plans are not quite settled, but her mother and sister will spend the summer in Tours while she, Augusta, and Edward continue their German tour; hoping to go to Naples; describing the ten thousand Austrians passing through Rome hourly; hoping that these Goths will be driven back by a steady resistance, and wondering if the regeneration of Italy is at hand.