Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-05-02
LETTER FROM CHILLoN.


80. 1879.-My Dear L., Memphis,
! When your kind and interesting letter
reached me in Germany | was on the
eve Of taking my Italian trip. During
my travels, which were hasty, but de.
lightful, | managed by "snatches'' tc
write something to Miss b. The let,
ter begun in Italy but finished in
Switzerland needs many apologies for
the hasty and careless way in which |
wrote. fit has been received | hope
YOU all have made due allowance for
my rush of time and the effects of
speedy travel.
Though / was charmed with the
beauties and wonders of Italy, | would
prefer to stay in lovely Switzerland.
Last summer | made several delight
full trips through the principal parts
of this grand country, and am there
fore doubly pleased with my present
visit. Ny good aunt brought me
here, and my uncles will probably
come to see me during my stay, which
will be perhaps till August. l am
here with some German friends, in a
small French family, with the view of
becoming familiar with the language,
which is very purely spoken in this
part of Switzerland. 1t may seem
strange that l have selected such
a quiet retreat for my last
six months in Europe. But | have
not only seen and enjoyed a great deal
in the past year. but felt unfit for the
life | necessarily had to live in Ger
many among so many relatives. For
a long time l enjoyed it but since the
fearful epidemic l have been so sad
and often so homesick that, but for
Aunt n, / would not have remained
in Europe so long. Then came this
excellent opportunity of learning
French, which | always liked, and
should have learned it from my
mother, who spoke it fuently. l am
very contented here and hope to profit
by my advantage.
German is natural and easy to me,
and if | attain the same familiarity
with French, who knows but that a
knowledge of these two languages may
prove very useful TO me- | shall
certainly not be an A B G." teacher
again, for my experience with Mrs.
was hard, and my lot at - was
not much better, though l did have
lots Of fun there with the country
boys
l wish you could enjoy the beauties
of this interesting spot with me. The
scenery is magnificent Lake Geneva
is noted for its peculiarly blue waters
and the snOw-capped mountains that
rise almost perpendicularly from its
shores. Chillon is a small station,
called after the celebrated castle.
built on a rock said to have rolled
down from the mountain on the waters
edge. The inclosed little picture
gives a faint idea only Of the grandeur
Of the reality-the beautifully clear
lake, the lofty mountains, the varie-
gated clouds at sunset, and surrounded
by such natural attractions-man's
work, the imposing castle, with its
moss and uncovered walls, its dark
and dreary dungeons, its massive col
umns, TO one Of which Bonivard y
was chained six years, and on which
areinscribed the names Of Lord Byron,
Victor Hugo, Eugene Sue and other
celebrities. This place, made famous
by the we'll known Prisoner of Chil-
lon is extremely interesting to all
English people, and for its connection
with the early history Of Switzerland
(for it existed in $50 4. d. is visited
and admired by all strangers. [ will
i~nclose a few violets from ChillOn, and
edeloais that grows among rocks on
the highest mountains. 1t means
noble white and exhales no perfume
whatever, but is sought and preserved
as a relic bya all travellers. HELENE.