JOURNAL CONTINUED—1827.
January 11th.—In the afternoon Lord Erskine brought the Queen-Dowager letters from Mr. Canning and Count Munster, announcing the death of the Duke of York at half-past nine in the evening of the 5th. They came by a messenger despatched by Mr. Canning, by order of his Majesty.
April 30th.—Arrived at Paris. The National Guard are dismissed, in consequence of their riotous behaviour last night, crying out “A bas les Ministres!” It is said many ill-intentioned persons made up uniforms and mixed with them, for the purpose of creating confusion.
May 14th.—In the evening went with the Viscountess de Vaudreuil to visit the Duke and Duchess de Rivière at the Tuileries, in the apartments formerly occupied by the King when he was Monsieur. The little Duke de Bordeaux was there, M. de Rivière being his governor. He appeared very lively and good natured. He is not very tall for his age, but has an elegant and well-proportioned figure. He seems to possess quickness and intelligence. His Royal Highness had with him two sub-preceptors and a young companion—the son of the Duke—three years and a half older than himself. The “salon” is, as before, furnished with stools, and with only one arm-chair for the King.
August 1st.—Went to St. Ouen to visit the Countess du Cayla and her daughter, the Princess de Craon. Their house is in the midst of very extensive grounds and gardens. It appears like a pavilion; but on entering we found an elegant staircase, carpeted as in England, and well proportioned rooms elegantly furnished. On the first floor we saw a “salon” and two handsome bedrooms, with a Gothic “cabinet” in the best style of that species of architecture. On the ground floor an excellent dining-room, billiard-room, “salon,” and “cabinet de bain,” all fitted up in good taste, the locks good, and the doors shutting well. In the “salon” is an inscription by Louis XVIII., to the effect that here began a new era in the liberties of France. It was here that he met the Allied Sovereigns and Ministers in 1814, and gave the Charter. He afterwards with great secrecy rebuilt the house, or, rather, erected this very beautiful villa, and made all the plans himself. He then presented it to Madame du Cayla, as a residence for her life; and the present King allows her two thousand five hundred livres a year to keep up the place. The floors are very handsome, and almost all the furniture is of French wood.
8th.—Went with the Bishop of Tulle to Athis, a place belonging to the Baroness de Crussol, about four leagues from Paris, on the road to Fontainebleau. The grounds are well laid out, with fine trees, and the house is large and commodious, very nice, and in good order. The poor lady herself, who is very civil and good natured, has nearly lost her mental faculties; but a friend of her late husband manages everything for her. In the grounds is a Gothic chapel, as also the Temple of Flora and a rustic building, all of which are well placed. There is likewise the tomb of a dog, with his image at the top. It seems that when this place belonged to the Duchess de Roquelaure, in the reign of Louis XIV., Mademoiselle de Scudéry had a dog named Badine, who died while she was staying here. At that time the philosophers wanted to introduce the doctrine that animals are only machines. The epitaph engraved on the tomb alludes to this:
Ci-gît la célèbre Badine,
Qui n’eut ni beauté, ni bonté,
Mais dont l’esprit a démonté
Le système de la machine.
In the house are several good apartments: that in which the Countess d’Alton sleeps was the chamber of Marshal Villars. The views from the house are very extensive.
9th.—News by the telegraph of the death of Mr. Canning, who expired yesterday, at the Duke of Devonshire’s villa at Chiswick.
13th.—Six Indians arrived, four men and two women, with an interpreter and his son, and a French colonel, from Havre de Grace. They come from the banks of the river Missouri, in America. The gate and opposite side of the street are thronged with people trying to stare at them.
16th.—This morning the Indian chief and the two women came to my apartment with the housekeeper and the porter. He appeared grave in his manners, but offered his hand, as did also the women. The latter seemed very cheerful. Their colour is bronze. I thought there was a natural gracefulness in the figure of the chief, and in his manner of holding his drapery. His arms were bare, with silver armlets on them; but his white mantle was wrapped about him. Their hair is black and long, but, according to the Indian custom, consisting of only one lock at the top of the head. It is said they brought with them furs of value, which they sold at Havre.
September 16th.—Dined at Prince Castelcicala’s, to meet the Countess Esterhazy and her two daughters. The Austrian Ambassador, Count Apponyi, with the Countess and his nephew, and Monseigneur Acton, also dined there. The Countess Esterhazy is the most intimate friend of the Dauphiness. When the latter went to Vienna from her prison at Paris, a lady was placed about her who had a niece very handsome and agreeable. At first the Dauphiness, accustomed to the mournful and appalling solitude of the Temple, could not appreciate the society of this young lady, but by degrees the cheerfulness and attentions of her companion made their way into her heart, and ever since that time she has loved her most sincerely. On the day on which the Princess gave her hand to the Duke d’Angoulême, her young friend was united to Count Esterhazy; and since her return to France she has exacted that every second year the Countess should visit her and pass some time with her. Her Royal Highness then takes her about to see everything that is interesting, lodges her in the Park of St. Cloud, and bestows upon her every mark of real affection. The Count and Countess have passed five winters in Rome on account of his health; but they are now going to Hungary.