The weekly standard. (Port Gibson, Miss.) 1865-1867, 1866-02-10
& sS PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI, FEBRUARY 10, 1866

enclosed with loops of silver, surmount-
ed by ball and cross, all of which are
resplendentl with diamonds; in the
centre of rathe cross is the ssinestimable
sapphire, and in front of the crown is
the heart-shaped ruby, said to have
been worn by the Black Prince; our
guide. informed us that the crown cost
G3, 900, 900, one diamond alone costing
one million pounds. There was also a
baptismal font of pure gold, used at the
christening of the royal children, and
many other rich and rare articles. At
ter this we passed into the Beauchamp
tower; one of the rooms had been used
as prison, from which it was inpos-
sible to escape, as the walls were ff-
teen feet thick; it seems that nearly
every one who had been confined there
had cut some device, carved out some
figure, or penned some inscription.
After taking rapid survey we left,
and visited many other rooms to each
of which ''thereby hangs tale" but I
have given to the tower as conspicuous
q place in my letter as it is enti-
tied, therefore will bid it an affec-
tionate farewell, hoping to visit it at
some future day. We then went to
several parks, but as they principally
consisted of founts, statues, shrutbery
and beautiful grounds, it is useless to
describe them. The city abounds in
beautiful monuments, statues, and
other attractions. That evening we
visited the opera, which is said to be
the largest house in the world, capable
of seating about 1000 persons. 1t was
beautifully decorated and brilliantly
lighted.
The same night we went on board
the boat and set sail for Boulogne;
upon reaching there we took the cars,
which brought us to Paris, about which
place I must say a few words. The
grand Hotel de Louvre which fronts
the Emperoris Palace, is an immense
structure containing about 1000 rooms.
1t is magnifciuntly furnished, possess
ing every modern convenience. Paris
far surpasses London In beauty; the
streets. are laid off with great taste,-
s.ne called boulevaids, have sidewalks
MS 1ars,, as themselves. I have seen
.nany things e interest since my arri-
val, one is the Palace of the Emperor
and the Tuilieries conneGtccd with it.
1t is not open to visitors at present.
though the gardens are visited at ali
times Twas advised, upon reaching
Paris, to abstain from drinking the
water, as it is considered very unheal-
thy; and sure enough it made me
quite sick at first, but / am getting
over it. The French confne them
selves principally to wine, even the la
dies and children, not only at meal
times, but as a substitute for water
But as / left home with the determine
ton not to touch liquor in any shape
or form, I shall endeavor not to vio-
late that pledge The weather has
been disagreeable lately, confning the
people to their houses, and yesterday
being a fine day they turned outen
masse; it was almost impossible to
walk the streets ts-every lane and by
way was crowded I saw number of
beautiful ladies, and think the term
handsome would beapplieable to many.
They were tthe glass of fashion and
the mould of form" Although / al
ways find it pleasant to discuss the
merits of the fair sex, this letter has
been too long to admit of my indulg-
ing in that pleasure. Therefore, my
dear friend, with an assurance to the
gentle ones of our village, that I have
found no such sbonnie lassies''', as / left
behind, I will close, promising that you
shall hear from me again soon, when
comfortably domiciled at H.. aaaaI