of the Tuscan administration,—to which even its political opponents do justice,—were insufficient to overcome the evil effects of the general political situation, and of the consequent want of liberty with which the abolition of the Constitution of 1848 was associated.
The Austrian Envoy did all that he could to lighten the task of the Government, to soften the pressure of circumstances, to reconcile antagonisms, to conquer antipathies. Even in those cases where political dependence was bound to increase dissatisfaction and to heighten anxiety for the future, he personally awakened no discord. His bearing was always conciliatory, his conduct considerate, his judgment equitable. His personality was of service to him, for he was a man of thoroughly noble temper, of hearty benevolence, of great knowledge of the world, of rich and varied culture, of social virtues,—in a word "a perfect gentleman." All these qualities were of great advantage to him, especially in a city and society such as he found at Florence. His eager patriotism went hand in hand with ready recognition of all that was good and honest, wherever he might happen to find it. He understood and loved the art of keeping a pleasant house. For a while his sister Francesca lived with him, the widow of Count Hardenberg, the Hanoverian Minister at Berlin. She died at Florence. In 1851 he married Miss Farquharson and notwithstanding the great difference of age this marriage, of which three children were the fruit, was a thoroughly happy one.
Surrounded by countless curiosities and works of art of all kinds,—in part inherited, as for instance, the great collection of miniature portraits bequeathed by his brother, who, crushed by the revolution, had died in August 1849[1],
- ↑ Dec 3, 1849, at Hardenberg, Hanover, A. v. H.
