Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-10-29
NO. XIX.

Here we found assembled in the great reception
room, the distinguished company, in number for
ty-seyen of many nations, who were to sit down
to the table together. When dinner was an
nounced we entered the grand dining hall, and
found table most gorgeously prepared with
gold and silver service and flowers. At table
found myself opposite three princes an Austrian,
Hungarian, and one from some other German
State, and second from me on the left was Lord
Ward, one of the most wealthy mobiles of Eng
land, with whom had good deal of converse
tlon. He was affable and intelligent, with none
of the haughtiness which we attach in America
sometimes unjustly, to English noblemen, as the
sequel of this account viii show. Opposite to
me and farther to my right was prince Esterha-
zy seated between Lady Granville and the beau
tiful Lady Emily Peel on the other side of La
dy Peel was Lord Granville, the principal and
special delegate from England to the coronation
ceremonies at Moscow, and near him sat Sir
Robert Peel. Among the guests was the young
earl of Lincoln, and several other noblemen in
the suite of Lord Granville. There was rare
assemblage. English, French, Austrians, Sar-
dinians, Italians and Americans, gathered at Ia
BILE in palace of the Emperor of Russia, Some
twenty servants in the Imperial scarlet livery
served the table, which was furnished with q
dishes and the costliest wines, in every variety,
wee put before U.S. l need not say that in such
an assemblage everything was conducted with
the highest decorum. No noise, no boisterous
mirth, no loud laughing, or talking, but quiet
cheerfulness and perfect ease, characterized the
whole entertainment. After the dinner all a.
rose both ladies and gentlemen, and left the
room together, not after the English fashion, OF
the gentlemen allowing the ladies to retire,
and then seating themselves again to drink, &c.
We remained in the large hall for coffee, but
being fearful that we should be too late for the
last steamer from Peterhoff to St. Petersburg,
we were hurrying to get through and to leave,
but the moment our fears came to the knowl-
edge of Lord Granville, he most kindly came to
us, and told US to feel at ease, as his steam
yacht was lying off the quay to take them up to
the city, and he was but too proud to have the
opportunity of offering US place on board, ar-
offer which we of course accepted with thanks.
When all was collected on the quay, we lett Pc
terhoff in the barge, and were soon on board the
yacht. The weather was fine and the moon soon
rose over the palace of Peterhof looking for
moment like one Of the splendid gilded domes
of the palace. On board the yacht had much
conversation with Lord Granville, who brought
the various members of his suite and introduced
me to them; to Sir Robert Peel to the young
Eearl of Lincoln, the son of the Duke of New.
castle, who when himself the Earl of Lincoln,
in 1889, showed me so much courtesy and kind
ness in London to Mr.. Acton, anephew Of Lord
Granville with whom had some interesting
conversation. We landed at the quay in st. Pc
tersburgh about eleven o'clock at night, and I
reached my lodgings at the. Hotel de Russie a.
bout midnight, thus ending day of incidents
which shall remember with great qualification.