Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-05-03
Familiar Letters from Europe.
NUMBER SIXTEEN.

Dear n = ~ From Baden Baden we took
cars and went to Frankfort; stopped at Heidel-
berg to visit the old castle, which forms one Of
the most interesting and grand old ruins have
seen. A lady guide received us and conducted us
through the many apartments all the in
teresting particulars regarding them. We saw a
wine cask thirty-two feet in length, and twenty-five
in diameter, sufficiently large to contain two hun
bred and eighty-three thousand and two hundred
large bottles.
Continuing our ride we reached Frankfort in a
few hours, and our first act was to ride through
the city, with which I was much pleased. 1t is
well built, has wide, clean streets, and many beau
tiful residences Indeed should like to live there.
During our stay there we rode to Hamburg, dis
lance of nine miles; beautiful watering place,
though less resorted to than any Of the others.
There are three springs the waters having entire
different properties. There are also some fine
buildings, among which is conversation house
similar to that in Baden Baden, where gambling
is carried on morning and night.
| Visited, while there, the palace Of the Princess
Elizabeth of England, where her chambers are still
arranged as when she died, now fifty years since.
| Leaving Frankfort we went to Wies Baden, an
other watering place quite similar to those already
mentioned. The water in the principal spring there
| is ten degrees warmer than the warmest in Baden
Baden. The most interesting objects there is a
Greek chapel, situated a short distance from the
city 1t is perfect little gem, built by the Duke
| of Nassau in memory eff his wife, who was Rus
sian princess, and who died at the early age of
nineteen-one year after marriage. Within the
chapel is sarcophagus in which she was inferred,
and on the top of it there is reclining statue of
her, all in beautiful white marble. Altogether it is
a fine tribute to her memory.
From Wies Baden we rode a short distance to
Biebrick. There we had fine walk through the
splendid grounds belonging to the Duke, which are
about mile in length. Then taking steamer we
soon found ourselves going down the beautiful
Rhine. The scenery on that river is certainly
beautiful and grand beyond description, greatly
divelsfed-now rugged, presenting great barren
rocks now beautifully verdant, now varying the
scene with fine mansions and grounds, great high
mountains, massive old ruins, and fourishing towns
and villages. Among the places Of notice are the
towns Of Bingen, Coblentz, Boun, and the castle
of Stosenfels fitted by the King of Prussia for
Queen Victoria in 1S45.
was pleased with the Rhine and think appre-
ciated its beauties, though must say l was dsap-
pointed; but had heard and read such glowing
descriptions of that river of rivers that expected
too much. think the Hudson might be compared
with the Rhine, although the scenery of the latter
is grander, the country more cultivated, while the
romance of ancient legends renders almost every
portion of it interesting. think, too, that one
must see the Rhine several times in order to be-
come fully impressed with its beauty.
Landed at Cologne in the rain. The first object
ofour notice was the Cathedral mighty structure,
though yet unfinished, and perhaps ever will be.
1t was begun six hundred years ago, and the sup
of dollars.
Visited chapel of "Three Kings" in which is
the tomb of Marie de Medicis. Also saw church
of St. Peter, and crucifxon of St. Peter, by Reu-
bens, which was very fine. Then we devoted
few moments to the church of st. Ursuline In |
one apartment they have preserved the bones and |
other relics Of four thousand virgin martyrs Before
entering you fee well-fed looking priest for the
sight and the rigmaroe of nonsense he finds pleas
ure in relating. He informed us that the above |
mentioned virgins left England under the protec-
ton of St UrsuIine, went to Rome, were blessed
and taken into the church by the Pope; and on
their Ieturn were prosecuted and destroyed on the
very spot where the church now stands. Showed |
me finger bone of St. Ursuline, which they readily
among the thousands and which be
seemed to prize very much. The walls of the room
room are completely covered with bones, and there
are glass cases full of skulls staring at YOU from
ali sides.
Among such ridiculous objects there were many
pretended ones of our Saviour. For instance, a
nail said to have been preserved from his cross,
horn from his crown, piece Of his robe, and Jar
n which Christ turned water into wine The good
I'D priest practiced this mockery so well, and en-
leavored so to convince me of the identity of all
Jaw, that from the purest motives of charity tried
o be credulous, but in my heart was not l.
Cologne has some fine buildings, but has mar
ow, dirty streets, and certainly bellies its name
From Cologne We went to Brussels, very pretty,
lean city. At AK la Chapelle, before passing
rom Belgium into France our baggage and pass
,orts were examined. The park in Brussels is
beautiful and quite extensive. They have, also, a
inc botanical garden. Visited the Senate cham
'ers-very neatly arranged.
Left Brussels by rail. Had passports examined =
t Valenciennes Passed througha manufacturing
alley, where are many iron works. The country ,
generally is level until we reach Paris.
Indeed it waspleasant riding through the streets
Paris again. Things seemed familiar to us, and {
fter locating ourselves once more in our hotel we
Dok delightful stroll on sles Boulevards," until
he dews Of evening were falling and night had :
brown her mantle over the face of nature.
During the first day after our arrival here from
nc south Of Europe, We devoted the time princi i,
ally to quiet rest which was indeed luxury after
UGH severe and constant fatigue. For some days l
had only taken birds eye view of the shops of r