Writings of Hugh Swinton Legar (Volume 1); Consisting of a Diary of Brussels, and Journal of the Rhine; Extracts from His Private and

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ... WRITINGS OF HUGH SWINTON LEGARE. DIARY OF BRUSSELS. Bruxelles, 16th May, 1833. As 1 have found, by experience on former occasions, that a diary is a very amusing thing, and not altogether unprofitable to him that keeps it, after the lapse of a few years, I am determined to struggle with my most supine indolence, so far as to fill up such a daily record of my actings and sayings. Forsan et htBc olim meminisse juvabit. I can go no further back than the first of the fifth month, and even then, for the fortnight past, my notice of things will be very general and inexact. 1st May--St. Philip. The ambassador of Prance, who is lately moved to a fine hotel at the corner of the Rue Ducale, opposite to that of Prince Auguste d'Arenberg, celebrates the fete of His Majesty, the King of France, by a grand diplomatic dinner in costume. Thirty odd persons are present, --all of them functionaries, civil or military. The English minister, Sir Robert Adair on the right, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. le General Goblet on the left of the Count de LatourMaubourg; opposite to whom sat the newly-arrived Secretary of the French legation, Casimir Perier, son of the famous juste milieu Minister of State, feu. M. Casimir Perier. I sat, by M. de Latour-Maubourg's request, at the right hand of the Secretary. Table crowded, --salle-a-manger, like most of the other rooms in this part of Brussels, (at least) not large or long enough for a gala day. Service at table, though waiting-men (some in gala livery) sufficiently numerous, not very ready. Every thing I ate as cold as at a royal banquet. Talked a good deal with Mr. VOl. I. 1. Perier, who has been three years in England, attache to M. de Talleyrand, and with General Desprez, Chief of Etat-MajorGeneral, and, I...