A theatre was open during a part of the winter, and we had two or three public concerts, as well as a variety of private ones by amateur performers, particularly during the season of the carnival, which finished on the 14th of February, and exhibited all its usual variety of masks, grotesque characters, and buffoonery; these concerts were only given on the Sunday afternoon.
There are a few customs, and points of etiquette, which it may be interesting to notice.
When a stranger arrives at Toulouse, and wishes to enter into society, he leaves his card with the prefect, who, after returning his call, sends him invitations to the public parties, which he gives once or twice in the week, when he has the opportunity of seeing the best company of the place.
On new-years-day, it is the custom (although I believe the same is common to most parts of the continent) to call on all friends, and present the ladies with fruits, toys, trinkets, or bon-bons, under some ingenious deceptions, and which it is generally expected, will be accompanied by a salute; therefore if you have an extensive acquaintance, it is indispensable to set out, at an early hour, loaded with smiles, compliments, and presents.
I scarcely feel competent to speak of the various ceremonies of the Gallican church here, but when an Englishman dies, it is customary to send the following notice, to the various residents from his country, requesting their attendance at the funeral.
“M⸺
Vous êtes prié par M⸺ et M⸺ de leur faire l’honneur d’assister à l’inhumation de M⸺ qui aura lieu le ⸺ à ⸺ heure du ⸺. Le convoi sortira de sa maison d’habitation.
Pax illi ⸺”
There is only one burial ground for Protestants, at Toulouse, situated at some distance from the city.
Early in February, the news arrived of the death of our late venerable and beloved king; the intelligence was received by the English in this place, with every possible mark of respect, and a public mourning immediately took place.