The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-09-22
Notes from Abroad by Mrs. ]. G. B.
LONDON, 18th August, 1847.


ticians unless they are accomplished men, and
can talk and think about something else beside
rty politics; but Of all the politics in Europe,
there is nothing which interests me much -
the state of things in Italy, and the progress Of
ideas in Rome. One of tine most Interesting
periods of my journey was my visit to Rome,
where had the supreme pleasure of beholdlug
that able, sensible, and very talented man,
Plus k, the present Pope. Upon entering Italy
] heard many observations uttered respecting the
Pope, and some Of them rather illiberal, spring.
ing from the superstition that he was hostile 10
the progress of liberal principles; but when
reached Rome and enquired about his character,
discovered that he was one OF the most liberal
men of the age, and very unlike his predecessor,
who was opposed to the erection of railways,
and almost every other improvement and inven-
ton of this enlig htened era.
am sorry to find that my friends, the Aus
TRANS, who are very amiable people, particu
lsry the residents Of Vienna, are taking such
violent measures against the good Pope. They
have already occupied Ferrera, an event which
evinces their bad taste, for when passed through
that region it seemed hardly worth the trouble
of occupying by any nation. 1t seems, also,
that Louis Philippe is meditating some design
against His Holiness, notwithstanding the catho-
lie piety of the Queen Of The French.
saw the Pope, for the first time, in the Cistine
Chapel, on Good Friday, clothed in his religious
vestments. His countenance then bore such an
expression of purity, benevolence, and sincere
holiness, that it made an abiding impression
upon my mind. From that day have become
an enthusiast in his cause. l regretted much
not having had an introduction to him, but it
was my own fault, as one Of his chamberlains
begged me to remain day Ion ger, and / should
then be introduced; but MIR. B. was so impa-
tent for me to return, that was obliged to leave
sur lie champ. Happily, on the morning OF my
departure one of the Pope's chamberlains sent
me few souvenirs of Rome, and also had some
bracelets blessed for me by the Holy Father.
Among them was a rosary which / estimate to
be worth FIVE thousand dolars--ffty dollars for
the rosary ITSELF and the balance for the blessing
| believe such things to be holy, when good
man like him blesses them. Though l am not a
Roman Catholic, do love the Pope. have
cameo ring with his likeness upon it, which is
considered most perfect resemblance, and which
l intend to wear.
You intend visiting Europe, do youl Well, if
SO, let me give you a little advice. Per-
sons who visit Europe for the first time, ge-
morally waste great deal of time and great
deal of money before they find out the right way
to use either. The route to the continent is
usually taken through England; but would ad-
wise you to go direct to France. Go to Havre
by the French steamer, or by the Havre packets,
which must say are much preferable and much
more beneficial, if travelling for health, than the
heat and smoke of steamer Thence take the
railroad to Paris, but don't stay long in that
| capital If you arrive in the early summer
months, go directly to Brussels, Cologne, and up
the Rhine; thence to Wlsbaden and Baden
Baden. From there 60 to Switzerland, cross
ing the Alps and the Simplon-the best pass to
Milan and Venice thence to Florence, Berne,
and Naples. Ascend Vesuvius, and also make
an excursion to Palermo and Etna. Return by
sea to Genoa, from which city you can, in Nv O
days, reach Turin, in Sardinia, city which
accomplished people, and exceedingly kind to
strangers. The nobility of Piedmont the
most elegant and accomplished people | have
ever met with, speaking almost all languages. ]
regretted l could not make a longer stay with
those charming people. From Turin you can
| cross Mont LInai to Geneva, and from there pro-
coed TO Paris, where you can remain the winter,
attend the balls Mosques and the Italian Opera,
and hear Grisi and Mario, perhaps Jenny Lind ;
see Cerito, Carlotta Gris, Lucia Grain, and
host Of other charming creatures too numerous
! TO mention.