home. I feel as if it were very selfish to be in this beautiful
city, and to have been spending so much money at Florence. Neither
did Joan, in her last letter, nor has Jem now, mentioned whether you
received two letters from Florence, the first of which gave some
description of my vetturino journey from Rome to Florence. I little
thought when I was enjoying myself so very much there, that all this
was passing at home.... Your influence in the Privy Council (where I
conclude they will offer you a seat) might be so good on very
important questions, and it would be an occupation for you; and I
have always hoped that, if it should please God you should retire
while still in the prime of life for work, you would publish some
great legal book, which should for ever be a record of your knowledge
on these subjects. However it may be, the retrospect of upwards of
twenty years spent on the Bench with the complete respect and
admiration of all your friends, is no slight thing to fall back upon:
and I trust that this fresh trial will turn to your good, and even
happiness here, as we may trust with safety it will hereafter.

'Ever your very affectionate and dutiful Son,

'JOHN COLERIDGE PATTESON.'


In this winter of 1852, Mr. Justice Patteson's final decision to
retire was made and acted upon. The Judge delighted in no occupation
so much as the pursuit of law, and therefore distrusted his own
opinion as to the moment when his infirmity should absolutely unfit
him for sitting in Court. He had begged a friend to tell him the
moment that the impediment became serious; and this, with some
hesitation, was done. The intimation was thankfully received, and,