New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-10-21
NARRATIVE or Mr.. FOX s

.. CuAur1Iy, JR. 4to. pp. 444. D. Appleton Co.
In this semi-official volume, the splendor of
the exterior presents remarkable contrast TO the
meagerness OF It's contents 1t ia devoted 20 an account
OF the United States special mission to Russia on DC
casOn Of escape OF the emperor from at altemPeu
assassination the Spring Of 1866 Mr. GustaVus Fasa
Fo the assistant secretary of the navy, appointed
envoy to carry the mission into elect ana ne appears
70 have discharged the duties Of the Office with exen
pary discretion energy and promptness Of resource IL
was decided by the Government. at his own request 10
scndt the mission by monitor class OF vessel Whch al
that time had never crossed the Atlantic, ont III whose
sca-worthuess Mr.. Fox had implicit confidence IDe
Miantonomah, twOturret monitor was chosen for the
service and the Augusta and Ashuelot two wooden men
oiwar were selected to accompany her. The little squad
ron sailed from St. johns, Newfoundland on june lana
after prosperous voyage OF less than eleven days across
the ocean, arrived at Queenstown on the lCth' Upon
short visit TO Portsmouth and Cherbourg' the Vesses
called forth great interest and were regarded WIN equ
curiosity and admiration. The mission was received
with the utmost cordially by the emperor OF Russia
and The congratulations Of the American Government
were recprocaed by unceasing round OF public at
tcptons to its envoy and suite Diplomacy for once
reposed on bed Of roses The of state were for
gotten and Hvelong day and night were devoted 10
mrth and festive jolity Mr.. Secretary Lonbat iounu
perpetual employment for his pen and his descriptions
OF the scene vie the most gorgeous reports OF the
L
youth and age. wisdom and beauty met In festive
reunion MI Loubat was entirely at home. He was pre-
eminently the right man the right place. Not detail
Of the social splendors escape his viglant eye The
svory bills Of fare which he preserves az length are
enough TO create an appetite beneath the rios OF
DEATH" He dfates upon the exquisite flavor OF the
viands sparkling wonder of the wines with the
/ JUNCTION OF an experienced connosseur On one
| occasion, we are gratifed TO learn, the menu
/ "was written plain paper with narrow
red border aud with the royal gold at the top
al another time ait was printed heavy cardboard
fourteen by mue inches in size, ornamened with beau
tful aud artistic designs" But are disappointed not
TO be told anything of the color OF the ablecOth, or the
folding of the napkins The whole narrative does great
Justice to Mr. Fox whose diplomatic replies TO the OIL
cias and whose gallant compliments TO the ladies are
worthy 10 be preserved in the edition OF the Man
ual Of Etiquette" Mr.. Loubats copious geographical
and historical notices. which never fail 10 accompany
his descriptions form agreeable relief 10 their mo
notOnous spendOrs although not especially rich IN novel
information His long genealOgies of different royal
families should also be received with thankfulness as
they the trouble of looking them up IN the "Gotha
Amanacb." The volume is rare specimen of elegant
typography, and fun of truly superb Illustrations II
win form magnificent ornament TO the library, though
81 Will not greatly promote the diffusion OF useful
knowledge"