Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-07-18
, FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF EUROPE.
ny N. p. WILLIS

n. p.
Departure from Paris-Desultory Remarks.
take my departure from Paris tomorrow
have just been making preparations pack, and
it has given me fit of bad spirits. have oeen
in France onlv few months, but If had lived
my life here, could not be more at home. In
nv almost universal acquaintance, L have OF
course made pleasant friends, and. however tune
and travel should make Us Indifferent to such vlo-
lent attachments, cannot now cast Oft these
threads of intimacy, without pulling little up
on very sincere feelings. have been burning
the mass of papers and cards that have accumu-
lated in my drawers;- and the sight OF these
French invitations, mementos, as they are, O'
delightful and fascinating hours. almost staggers
my resolution of departure. 1t has been an IN
toxicating time to me. Aside from lighter at
fractions this metropolis collects within itself SO
much Of the distinction and genius OF the world,
and gifted men in Paris, coming here merely tor
pleasure, are SO peculiarly accessible, that one
looks upon them as friends to whom he has be-
come attached and accustomed. and leaves the
sphere in which he has met them as if he had
been part of it, and hal right to be regretted.
do not think shall ever spend 50 pleasant
winter again. And then my local interest is not
light one. am a lover Of out-of.doors. and
have ransacked Paris thoroughly. know ali,
from its broad faubourgs to its obscurest cut ne
sac. HUNTED with antiqnares for CONS and old
armor; with lovers of adventure for the amusing
and odd; with the curious for traces Of history;
with the romantic for the picturesque. Paris Is
world for research. 1t contains more odd peo-
ple. and every way more material for uncommon
amusement, than any other city in the universe.
One might live life of novelty without crossing
the barrier. All this insensibIy attaches one.
My eve wanders this moment from my papers
to these lovely gardens ying beneath my win
dow, and could not feel more regret if they
were mine. Just over the long line Of low-clip-
ped trees, edgng the fashionable terrace, see the
windows of the king within half stones throw
the window at which Napoleon has stood, and
the long line of the monarchs of France, and 1t
has become TO me SO much habit OF thought,
sitting here in the twilight and musIng on the
thousand, thousand things, linked with the spot
nv eve embraces, that feel as if had grown
to it-as if Paris had become to the, what it is
proverbialy and naturally enough to French
man." the world"
have other associations which part from less
painfully. because hope at some future time to
renew lhem-those with my own countrymen -
There are few pleasanter circles thatn that OF the
Americans IN Paris. Lafayette and his numer.
Gus family make part of them | could not
learn TO love this good man more, but seeing him
often brings ones reverence more within the IL
mits of the affections; and consider the little
of his attention that has fallen to my share, the
honured part of my life, and the part best worth
recording and remembering lie called upon
me day or two ago, to leave with me some CO.
pies of translation of Mr.. Cooper's letter on
the finances of our government, TO be sent to my
friend DR.. Howe; but, to my regret, did not
see him. He neglects no American, and is ever
busted about some project for their wefare.-
MAY God continue to bless him!
And speakngof Mr.. Cooper, no one who loves
or owns pride in his native land, Can live abroad
without feeling every day what we owe to the pa
triotism as well as the genius of this gifted man.
If there is an individual who loves the soil that
gave him birth, it is he. Mr.. CoOper's position
is a high one; he has great advantages and he i'm
proves them to the uttermost. HIS benevolence
and activity in all enterprises for the relief Of the
suffering. give him influence, and he employs it
like true phianthropist and real lover of his
country. Isay this particularly, although it may
look like too personal remark. because Ameri-
cans abroad are not always national | am Of.
ten mortified by reproaches from foreigners, quot.
ing admissions made by my countrymen, which
should be last on their lips. A very distinguish.
ed person told me day or two sitce;' that 50 the
Americans abroad were the worst enemies we had
in Eurnpe'' 1t is difficult to conceive at home
how such remark stings. Proportionately, one
takes true patriot to his heart and feel it right
to say here, that the love of country and active
benev olence of Mr.. Copper, distinguishes him
abroad. even more than his genius. His house
is one of the most hospitable and agreeable in Pa
ris; and with Morse and the circle of artists and
men of distinction and worth about him, he is an
acquaintance sincerely to regret leaving.
From Mr.. Rives, our Minister, Ihave received
every possible kindness. He has attached me to
his legation, to facilitate my access to other
courts and the society of other cities, and to free
me from all delays and anncyances at frontiers
and custom houses. 1t is particular and vaIu.
able kindness. and feel a pleasure in acknow.
lodging it. Then there is Dr. Bowrine, the lover
and defender of the United States, who. as the
editor Of the Westminster Review, should be
we'll remembered in America, and of him have
seen much, and from him have received great
kindness. Altogether, as said before, Paris is
home to me, and l leave it with heavy heart.
have taken place on the top Of the dill
gence for a week. 1t is long time to occupy
one seat, but the weather and the season are de-
licious: and in the covered and roomy cabriolef,
with the coniucfeur for A living reference and