The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1868-02-27
From Europe.

Head the Following which we find
in one Of our exchanges, from the
pen Of Rev Clifford, formerly Rector
Of the Episcopal church of this city:
Mr.. EDIToR.-As have been tray-
cling recently in foreign lands, it has
been suggested that I furnish some
sketches for your paper; which am
quito willing to do, if it will contrib
ute in any degree to the interest Of
your readers.
| will begin the series by describ-
ing, in brief, some Of the numerous
palaces, and other mansions, to the
grounds Of (which, or both, I obtained
admission. Some Of the palaces are
called castles.
The Dublin Castle was anciently 4
strong fortress, and, from it's situa-
tion, well commanded the city
Since the time of Queen Elizabeth. It
has been tho palatial residence Of the
rd-lieutenant Of Ireland, who is the
principal civil officer appointed by
the crown. The building Is largo
stone one, rather plain and unpre-
tending in style; but it has connected
with it very beautiful modern Goth
ic chapel, elegantly finished, and hav-
ing stained glass windows, upon which
are executed in a very sperfect man.
ner representations Of the armorial
ensigns Of all those who have had
the Office of lord-lieutenancy. Ser
vices are held in, this chapel every
Sunday; and when / was present the
sermon was preached by the Arch
deacon Of Armagh, upon the subject
Of prayer. The music was of very
high order, as | learned it usually Is
in this chapel royal.
About ten miles from Glasgow,
Scotland, is the palace Of the young
Duke Of Hamilton, one Of the princi-
pal noblemen of Scotland. His father
died only a few years since, and be-
ing the eldest son, inherited from
him his title and immense estates
This palace is built of stone, is about
go feet in length, and resembles in
its general form one Of tho ancient
temples of Jupiter in Rome. The in
terror is very magnificently furnished
and decorated. One room contains
1000 paintings, many of them BY
celebrated artists. The principal
staircase, leading up from the main
entrance, is one Of the finest in Eu.
rope, and its cost was 100000. The
grounds are extensive, and very beau
tifully laid out. In the midst Of them
is tho family mausoleum, magnif-
cent palace tomb, and one of the most
stately sepulcharal monuments in the
world. Its cost was a half million of
dollars. The great bronze door leading
intoit iscovered with striking symbol
ical representations in bas-relief, and
was procured at the expense of
$40, 900. There is a small chapel in
the interior, in which funeral
obsequies are performed on the de-
cease ofany Of the family. A man
10 constantly stationed at the nuasu-
leum, to guard it and prevent any
depredations by visitors; and also to
give information to those who come
TO see it. His explanations to me
were very interesting and satisfac.
tory.
The duke spends only small part
of tho time in Scotland. He is much
in London and on the continent; and
this is true of many others Of the
Scottish nobility, as also of the Irish
peers.
The Holyrood Palace, in Edin- |
burgh, is of great historical interest. |
It is very s.oient building, and was
the former residence of the Scottish |
kings. My guide conducted me
through the various apartments OF
the palace, and explained as we
passed along. We halted some time
in the bed. chamber of the unfortu-
nate Mary Queen Of SCOTS, who re-
sided in the palace, on her return to |
Scotland from France, after the death |
of the Dauphin Francis H., whom
she married. The bed and it's cover
ing, and the room generally, is pre-
served in the same state as it was
when occupied. by Mary, three huns
drcd years ago. Lord Henry Darn
ley's and King Charles's rooms were
also shown. Darnley, though very
unworthy, unprincipled man, was
married to Mary July 20, 1865, end
the place was pointed out in the
abby chapel adjoining, now nearly in |
ruins, and without a root, where Ma
ry and Darnley stood before the al
tar in the choir of the abby at the
time of their marriage. In one
Of the rooms l saw the marks of
blood, caused by the foul murder of
Rizxio, an Italian, and the fayorite
secretary Of the queen for foreign
languages. Itwas done in the queens
presence, and no less than fifty six
wounds were found on Rizzio's body.
The murderer was Ruthven, but the
instigator and planner was Darnley
himself, the husband of the queen.
In this place l noticed q CRATE, in
which FIRE was burning, that has
been used for three hundred years,
aud is the first CRATE ever used in
Cco4land RR GTEEnRn