Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-05-17
Familiar Letters from Europe.
NUMBER EIGHTEEN.

Dear n: Once again must write you
something of London, but cannot say that liked
the city, its people, their manners Or customs 1t
is the most dreary, rainy, smoky place ever saw,
and nothing could induce me to live there. Ireally
believe it rains there all the timea least so it was
during our stay there; and we might have forgot
ten the suns existence had we not been favored
with occasional CLEANS of his glorious light. Like
angels visits, they were few and far between, and
we knew how to appreciate the privilege How
ever, the people did not seem to mind the weather.
but with umbrellas and shawls would saunter out
upon business or pleasure. What wonder is it that
they are cold and selfish shut up as they are amidst
fog and smoke? They know not half the delights
Of this glorious, bright world. A home for me
anywhere is preferable to London. do not feel
that have begun to see the place, for it is SO i'm
mense that one must live here for months before
it is possible to see all its objects of notice to adj
vantage, or become familiar with the city.
During the last few days of our stay there we
visited the Crystal Palace which was bought by a
company and removed to and erected in Sydenham,
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such delightful manner that it has become quite
place Of resort, not only for strangers but Lon
doners. The building is surprisingly beautiful
far superior to the exhibition building in Paris in
point of beauty 1t is built entirely of glass, while
that in Paris is of stone. As it now stands it pre-
sents magnificent appearance, and is to be used
as museum and repository for the fine arts. In
the interior are many refreshment apartments,
and situated in the lovely grounds in front are the
most beautiful fountains l ever saw. They play
every afternoon at four O'clock and thousands were
present to witness Them
Took general ride through the city, looking at
many objects of interest. Hyde Park is certainly
delightful place, affording variety at all times.
No hack or common conveyance is permitted to
appear in the Park thus rendering it entirely aris-
tocratic.
Passed through the far-famed Thames tunnel,
which is strange and interesting. We descended
many steps and paying few shillings soon found
ourselves in the tunnel. Truly, it was somewhat
startling being under body of water-a river 1t
is beautifully lighted with gas and made cheerful
by little fancy shops and refreshment saloons, not
very extensive, however.
Took steamer and passed up and down the
Thames river, beneath the numbers of bridges
old London and Westminster being the most in
teresting. 1t was upon the former that the body
of poor William Wallace, of Scotland, cut in four
quarters, was exposed as an example to all who
should dare defend their country against English
usurpation.
Also took stroll through Paternoster row, which
is considered quite curiosity. But though there
are such numbers of publishing houses, and so
much is said Of the superiority Of English books,
we could find nothing of superior quality.
Visited, after overcoming many obstacles the
houses of Parliament Gentlemen may attend the
sittings of either house two nights in the week. but
ladies must have permit from the Queen. The
Minister of each country is allowed the disposition
of two tickets twice week for the two houses.
The number is small, to prevent crowds attending.
am told that the House of Lords is conducted in
a most undignifed manner. All being Lords, all
have equal privileges, and no one assumes control,
while they lounge about put up their feet, keep
hats on talk loud and maintain no order whatever.
The houses are divided, so that member advo-
eating one side of question will sit that side of
the house. "Hear, hear" is spoken frequently
by both sides, depending on the tone of voice,
whether it is meant as ridicule, wonder or appro-
baton. The apartments are finely furnished; the
House of Lords is somewhat finer, as the Queen
takes her seat there on certain occasions.
The day at last arrived when we we're compelled
by want of time to leave London. l regretted it
not because had any particular affection for the
place, but my visit had not been sufficiently salts
factory. appreciated its many objects Of interest,
and wished to see and know more of them. To
satisfy those wishes might endure London for
months.
Left London by rail for Lansngton, a pretty
watering place, which is quite resort. In the
royal pump room are the springs. The waters are
warm and salt, and considered valuable. In the
the same building hot and cold baths are served.
Took a carriage from there to visit Stratford-on-
Avon. Stopped at Warwick, and went through
an old castle of the same name. Saw the arms
and other relics of old Guy Warwick, who was
eight feet eleven inches high, and high in proper
ton The old kettle is still there in which his por
ridge was made-it held forty gallons; the ladle
with which he ate held quart, and the fork for
his meat weighed twenty pounds. He must indeed
have boon a huoo fellow
Had delightful ride, passing through fine
country. The nearer we approached the native
place of the great poet, the more looked round
about with increased interest-and at last the car
riage stopped and my eyes rested on the sacred
object before me-the house in which the immortal
Shakespeare was born. do believe should have
known the house anywhere, SO truly had pictured
it to my mind. stopped and examined the out
side. Imagine small, miserably poor looking,
frame house, old fashioned, and greatly the worse
for the hard usage of time, and you have picture
of Shakspeare's dwelling. We entered-were
kindly received by lady, who conducted us up
narrow stairway, back Of the room we entered, and
were ushered into the place Of his birth. How
often the little fellow must have scrambled up those
steps now so worn. A few moments we stood