Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/300

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GENERAL CAS3. 275

native talent and taste in the fine arts, especially for her spirited performances in sculpture, and died deeply lamented.

The beauty of the young bride of the Duke de Nemours, Victoria of Saxe Coburg, who made her first appearance at the French court the present win ter, is acknowledged by all. The royal family of France give an amiable example of those domestic attachments, and that true home-happiness, which ex ercise so decided an influence on the character in the period of its formation, as well as throughout the whole of life. Such virtues have not always been indigenous in the soil of courts, and it is therefore the more de lightful to see them here, with a vigorous root and healthful bloom.

Our ambassador, General Cass, is quite a favorite at the French court, and ever since he has represented his country there, has been unwearied in his attentions to American travellers. Without regard to political creed, or other adventitious circumstances, he extends to them both official aid, and a liberal and elegant hos pitality. To him, and to his excellent lady and family, as well as to his son-in-law, Hon. Henry Ledyard, our Charge des Affaires, and to his mother, then tempora rily residing in Paris, we were much indebted for deeds of kindness, invaluable to those who, in foreign climes, bear the strangers heart.

Our party had been agreeably enlarged by the ac cession of the Rev. Dr. Woods, President of Bowdoin College ; and likewise of the Hon. Mr. Dixon, and his

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