Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1854-03-11
NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER.
FURTHER EXTRACTS
From tie Family Letters Of an american Lady
abroad


Rhine not aude the Drachenfels or quote froI
Childe Harold But what can do? How pass by my de
lighted surprise with this 81 Astounding and exultin
rver!" No words recorded raptures of my thousan
predecessors had prepared for the varied succession
of charms which each mile, each turn of its winding
presents Despoed Of history legend assoca
ton, it would still be infinitely beautiful far thar
had dreamed, having unconsciously pinned my faith
the dicum Of our travelled countrymen who with jealous
patriotism, have universally declared in favor of its
American rival will of presume to enter
into the vexed question of the comparative grandeur Of
the Hudson and father Rhine but think that while the
latter has not the full flow and majesty Of mag
nifcen stream the person must indeed be deeply preu
diced who does not acknowledge that in all the perfected
elements Of exciting and blended beauty the Rhine is i'm
messurably superior to our northern boast. Although
have while abroad usually avoided our countrymen
preferrng to study other than native our
yesterdays enjoyment much enhanced by the society
of very clever American feowpilgrms There were
several ladies and agreeable young men, and charming
clergyman who always ready to do the legends, and
we'll able give many classical ones than even
friend Murray right merry group were we on the for
ward deck where congregated for uninterrupt
ed view Of the dainty scenic feast by which gided 1t
raned constantly in April showers the castled crags
being topped moments with the darkest thunder cloud
while passed from under it's shadow sudden CLEAN
Of sunshine would light up with exquisite effect the vista
Of nesting village or " vine-clad hills. BY the way
most agreeaby surprised thatthese latter clas
seal vintage slopes graceful and pretty green and
waving about the rellises and not covered bean
poles. Do you remember that moving old ditty, the
brave Roland 20: any thing could have given peace to
his lovely betrothed her heart must have found it the
convent of sweet Nonnenwerth which is bower of per-
feet repose and beauty sleeping under the shadow of the
still frownng fortress Of the hero of Roucesvaes 1t
sunset yesterday evening when gained the qua
ut Cobentz, and many minutes had passed we had
crossed the bridge of boats toed up the winding or
fed ascent, and found ourselves the highest battle
raens Of Ehrenbreitstein With burst of delighted
expression gazed down upon the glorious panorama
below The quaint old town opposite, with spires and
cleaning in the suns setting rays the ruins and
scattered and visible for several miles, the wind
ing river stretching far away, like blue riband with
emerald edges the Mosel joining by its grand rea
tive it flows to the and the purple light with
which this grand broad stone of honor tinted
formed indeed fitting elimination to all the exciting
beauty and emotion of the day Byron would truly have
called this tower of victory had he seen it now,
bristling in perfect strength andapparently mpregnabe
Is it not, after Gibraltar, uneeualled natural FORTH
cation Cobleutz is most satisfactorily old being of
the most ancient towns in Europe bordering close upon
the christian Think of that but appears also full
of life and activity many of the streets looking busy and
busting. Sunday though it be- the shops are open
usual for after hearing mass the people seemed absoved
from further religious observance Of the day. There
some wonderfully old churches, and wandered at
early hour into perfect antique, the Leltrauerchs-
lovely woman's church-to hear morning service; it
dim, quiet and solemn, only few worshppers devoutly
hupe oh NJ Cath liz 80
open church. Go in any hour, and lowy suppl
ants before the altar stealing in for few
moments forget the strife Of life Would that in Pro-
testant America soothing custom prevailed! Ofcourse
these caheras have the effect persons
10 the manner born as upon With the English and
Continentals Westminster and St Peters differ only in
degree in kind while u.s. from the land Of Puri
tans and dissenting chapes they almost religious
vsations certainly, in emotion, overwhelmingly So 1t
would require years. do believe sober my of
intense enjoyment in these temples therefore each time
that steal off to through their solemn scenery,
listen to the grand music peep into confessionas and
look with interest upon the impressive ceremonies of the
church. is for accumulatng fund of vivid feeling.
Railroads may have impaired much Of the adventurous
romance Of travel but there infinite deal remaining
and always remain until these old shall
crumbls and falfar distant be the day and the Ca
stopped in the midst Of large crowd in the Palace
Square, to witness the morning parade, and enoyhe
admirable military music, when carriage thundered
through the archWay and caught glimpse of my friends
who, weary of waiting, had started without me to see
Schloss Stolzenfels. quickly caught up, and in
Few moments driving along an enchanting road
On the beautiful banks Of the Rhine At the foot of the
bold rock which this fine old castle is pcturesquely
perched we found donkeys which used for the ascent
Funny little animals they we're, with their pointed shapes
and forlorn look and logged up, my feet trailing on
the ground of party, very fat gentlemen, pre-
scented such ludicrous picture upon the ugly little
beasts that nearly tumbed down the ravne with fun
and laughter. #
This castle is q summer residence Of the King Of
Prussia, and most enviable it is; not vast OIL
gloomy but with charming salons and snug hooks and
crannes while from the walls and turrets the eye
the most lovely landscape of ruined towers
slopes winding waters and farof Ehrenbresten grand
iy guarding the This palace remained in decay
for hundred years, but restored by the present
King. The Queen Of England paid his Majesty vis
here and the appointments of her rooms were enviab
comfortable In the baronal hall is rich collection
drinking glasses of every shape and hue TO
Rhenish wine, which longed to steal for you Also ar
NOR and mementoes Of celebrated men among them
fine coored glass fnger-bow, belonging to Charlie
the Fifth To me the most beautiful things in the cast
we're the exquisite inaid floors birds, flowers and
besque designs in mahogany and oak, inlaid with sat
wood finished with all the delicacy Of ladys work DO
Carpets are not used but visiters, before entering
principal apartments are requested to put on felt sl
pers: indeed, one quite hesitates to tread upon SUI