Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-11-15

MAC one InoTning on horseback, TO view the
Inns Of Two ancien, Castles situated alb out y
niles distanf, y hich in former days were the
residence 81 the Lafayette family. Afltr a
pleasant ride .throogh forests and groves, we
arrived al yissac, a small village situsted on a
moderate emnence, and overlooked by the ru>
ms OF the castle oflhe same nome. Centuries
have rolled away since it was inhabited ny ihe
ancestors Of General Lafayette. Its toitering
towers which have braved the rude clemens
ror so many centuries, are fast falling mo
shameless masses, and but little now remains 10
give evidence of the former grandeur OF I'M,
vestige Of feudal times, oGce the residence Oh
the most wealthy and powerful family OF hu'
vergne. The precipice, from whose gica!
heights could discover a small stream giioihs
gently along among the rocks below.
".Aficr spending short time IN examining
the ruin and admiring the surrounding scenery,
we mounted our horses and proceeded on 10 inc
more interesting ruins Of the Castle OF 81. Ko-
main. whose majestic towers can be slightly
distinguished in the distance from Vissac. The
wav was very circui,ous, winding in the spI'
rails round the moun,ain whose steepness would
mo, admit of direct ascent We arrived, how
ever in a short time al the ancient, narrow q
rugged pathway which leads directly 10 the
summit Of the mountain, where STANDS IN all
its majesty this remnant OF days gone ny, ana
after some further toll, we found ourselves un'
der the walls Of the venerable edihce. In us
DAYS Of grandeur il must have been deHghlui
residence. From its elevated situation en-
loved magnificent and extensive view, en-
braclng mountains, valleys, barren hills, and
Iuxuriant fields, with the lofty range OF the dis
tant mountains, OF Mont dur ana Iantai,
stretching along the horizon
"Iw was delighted with the appearance OF the
old castle itself, and have seen but few ruins
which possess more romantic air. Its Goth
,c STYLE of architecture, its smbatlled towers,
its turrets, Goss.s, ruincd portculls, ivycorer-
ed walls and lis elevated position gives 1t an
air of me lancholy grandeur such as have but
seldom witnessed
at was in this castle that Marechal de La
faye,te, of whom have before made mention,
was born Its Courl conductsto numerous
and extensive suite of apartments, two or three
of which still remain in tolerabie state oil
preservation, and in the old chapel Ill spite oil
the rayaces Of time few fresco paintings re-
spec,ing the lives Of, saints are still discern
IDLE on The walls. In the principal tower oil
this ancient ediGce is sub,erranean apartment
which led no doubt as dungeon IN the days
of reudal despo,ism. was DESTROYS OF ascend
ing>to the top OF This tower TO ENJOY sun lar
er view of the country, but the dilapidated
state IF the old stair case rendered 1t lmprac'i-
cable.
awe remained about an hour al this Deautl-
ful RUIN. and J assure you we lett II highly dee
lighted with the excursion. Before leaving
home my youthful Inauguration had been KIND
led by descriptions Of old Gothic ediiices, rum
cG Castles and>s bbeys, and since my residence
Abroad but few uf these remnants OF antiquity
vice o5servaIion YOU may then readily ina
CINE the real pleasure experienced in visiting
spot so interesting from It's situation and as
socialions as the Cas,a Of ST. Roman
9! leave Chayagnias 20 morrow on nv return
to Paris, taking lie Puy, ST. Etienne and Lyons
in nv route, regrettlng that my time will not
permit me to yield 10 the kind and pressing
solicitations of Mr.. George to prooug my stay.
To the time hat | have passed with him in this
delightful and highly interesting place memory
will ever reour with rhc most lively pleasure.
His hospitality and unbounded kindness has
my heartfelt gratitude. For the patriotic in
habitants of Auvergne shall always retain
sincere esteem for ina, spirit Of liberty which
they possess in such an eminent degree, and
admiration for those sentiments of venera-
ton, respect and affection which they entertain
for the venerable General and all his family.
The amiahl- reception which have receiv-
ed from al! those with whom il has been my
good fortune 10 meet, and the expression OF
their warm attachment to the Institutions OF
our country, will ever be 10 me source OF the
most lively remembrance, and l assure you
that shall always count my visit TO Chavagn.
&C as among the most interesting incidents OF
my life"