Brussels July August September 1862

Brussels July 25.
Four months have passed since I last wrote in my diary and few changes have happened. As yet I have seen very little of Brussels. I have seen some lace manufactoire, and wonder at the patience the poor women had to bend for hours over a cushion making white lace. For their days labor they receive 50 centimes (10 cts). The black lace is made in the environs of Brussels. We attended a “Te Deum” at St. Gudules a few days __. The Duke and Duchess were present and many other distinguished personages, among the number Mr. Goodrich, who during the absence of Sanford represents Yankeedom. He succeeded in making himself the laughing stock of the diplomatic corps.
We passed the “place des Martyres” on Wednesday. A handsome monument has been erected where many of the heroes, who fought for the independence of Belgium in 1830 fell.

August 9th
Thursday visited the Museum. One fine landscape by Claude Lorraine. Rubens Madonnas look like fat irish washerwomen. The collections of paintings is on the whole very poor. Our young friend, Eva Lecomte, has comcomced(sic) copying, she shows much talent for her age and will doubtless distinguish herself.
The weather here at present is what we have in November. It is true we have had one or two summer days, which have not prevented my wearing flannel.




Monday September 8th
Read our Presidents message dated Richmond August 15 1862, also a sketch of his life written by Father (note: Judge Robert Nash Ogden b 1804 Hillsboro, N.C. d. “Okeden” Bay St. Louis Mississippi m. Frances Sophia Nicholson).
Saw the Prince of Wales pass in the fine court equifrages. He is on a visit to his uncle King Leopold, and has come to meet his affianced bride, the princess Alexandra of Denemark(sic).
Mr. Gregory M. P. dined with us. He is one of the Confederates best friends and a charming gentleman.
There are now two great questions that interest Europe, the American or(?) Italien(sic). From all the late news we think that our hero Stonewall Jackson, has gained a great victory over that little scamp Pope. If this be true and we then take Washington, Pa (note: Willie’ s father – her father-in-law Ambrose Dudley Mann) thinks the great powers in Europe will immediately recognize us. “ If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us: then they had swallowed us up quick, when their wrath was kindled. Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us as a prey to their teeth”. Since the arrest of Garibaldi which occurred during the engagement at Aspromonte on the ________ Italy has relapsed in to comparitive silence. Garibaldi is confined at Strezzia (?); he has certainly done too much for Italy to be now in danger of severe treatment by his country men. In wishing to drive the french from Rome he did what every Italien(sic) longs to see accomplished, and therefore the “purity of his motives shoul(sic) justify him”.

Saturday Sept 13 1862.
Walked a few days ago with Mrs Le Comte to Lacken, the kings country seat. Not much to be seen, fine “caserne” near the palace, “estaminents” and “cabarets” abound on the roadside.
Mr. Reuter dined with us yesterday. There is no man whose name is so often mentioned in the papers, as almost all dispatches come by “Reuters Telegraph”.

Monday September 15 1862
Saw the Prince of Wales yesterday and day before. No striking difference between himself and twenty other young Englishmen. The Princess Alexandra of Denmark is quite pretty.
Heard on Sunday of our second great victory at “Bull’s Run”. God be praised for His mercy. Father (note: Ambrose Dudley Mann) knocked at our door this morning and said the most important news had just arrived. I guessed immediately what it was; that he had received news from our good friend Mr. Gregory, stating that our recognition was near at hand. This proved to be true. Mr Gregory was told so by Lord Haftesberry(?), who exercises great influence over Lord Palmerton.

Wednesday Sept 17.
Went to Groenendael in the cars and then walked to Waterloo. Climbed the mount on which stands the proud ion looking defiantly towards France. The battle took place in reality at Mont St. Jean, but as Wellington dated his dispatches from the field, it has always been called that of Waterloo. Visited the slaughter pens of la Haze Sainte and Goumont.
Most historians agree in stating the English were being driven from the field when the Prussian general Blucher came to their assistance. Had it not been for the carelessness of perhaps treachery of Grouchy the French would not now look back with shame to June 18. 1815. We returned by the forest of Soignes.