e13
Paris July 23^rd. Saturday
My dear Fanny,
We were blest with rain yesterday to
assuage the heats which according to the newspa-
pers had made many persons mad. It did not
prevent me from leaving cards and letters, and that
was the business of the day. I was not too favorably
impressed with by Mr Mann our minister. He is
physically crippled by the paralysis, and seemed
untidy in person - possibly not injury, idle
not in repose – But I may have misjudged him.
I found at the hands of a Frenchman or two
a flattering reception on account as they said of my
name, but not one distinct idea had they of
my political position or principles - The Sartiges
gone to Plombieres a watering place. The
account I get of his health is discouraging.
I have advised him of my arrival - 200 or 300
Americans are here continually - I meet them
every where - The rain ceased at sunset, and
although the streets were wet, Paris addressed
itself to its customary enjoyments - The great feature
of modern Paris is the stretching out of gardens -
(shaded walks or groves, from the Tuilleries
half a mile (perhaps) wide the banks

14
of the Seine
quite to the Forest
of Boulogne - eight or
ten miles. Splendid, edifices
arches, temples, monuments, statuary
adorn these gardens. Theaters, Repositories
of art, Concert Halls, coffee houses for singing
balconies for concerts, are interspersed located at
small distances from each other. The promenades
in the gardens by day are cool and pleasant at night.
gas light is poured forth profusely from the walls
the trees, the houses, and the scene is that of a general
illumination - and society surrendering itself up to recreation
and amusement. I have been quite surprised at the inventive
arts of Countrymen here. They appear every where selling
medicines, gymnasts, minstrels. Two Americans have crowded
the European clowns out and do the entire comedy
for the Hippodrome. I notice one peculiarity here unseen
in England or the United States. The Army is every where and
seems like a favored domestic institution. Manifestly the glory
of France is regarded as the private fortune of every Frenchman
and the intensity of nationality seems almost an egotism
in every one you meet. I will not venture now
to reflect on the fruits of this patriotism.

h 25
to
Henry Letter July 29^th
to
Aug 5^th

[right Margin]
No 15
Paris