praise of that most popular Princess, not to feel extremely happy at the opportunity thus afforded me of paying my humble respects to her Majesty. The presentation, which was common to two other gentlemen, took place with somewhat more of parade in this instance than in that to the Empress-mother; but in every other respect there was no difference. On this occasion, a great many of the GrandOfficers were present, together with the Grand Master, and three other Masters of the Ceremonies. Her Majesty appeared superbly dressed in a black satin robe, and was followed by several Dames and Demoiselles d'honneur. Her fine and stately person derived additional interest from the peculiarly handsome character of her countenance on which a pleasing serenity and goodness of heart are strongly delineated. The Empress first addressed, in German, the Conseiller of the Austrian Embassy who was presented at the same time; she next asked an English gentleman, similarly presented, a few questions respecting his intended journey to Egypt, through Russia and Turkey; and with equal condescension afterwards deigned to address her discourse on a variety of subjects to myself. Among other observations she was pleased to revert to the visits I had paid to the charitable establishments of the Empress-mother :"Elle s'occupe de toutes ses Institutions," said her Majesty," avec un zèle admirable; et Elle entre dans les plus petites circonstances à leur égard.”—Sa Majesté l'Imperatrice-Mère, Madame, est une Princesse incomparable. Jamais souveraine ne pourra s'égaler à elle pour ce qu'elle a fait pendant une si longue série d'années, et fait encore, en faveur de l'humanité souffrante; et pour ses soins à propager les vrais principes d'une éducation à la fois utile et morale."Vous avez sans doute vu nos medecins. Nous regrettons toujours d'avoir perdu le Docteur Crichton. Il a eu toute sorte de bonté pour moi. Il n'y a pas long tems qu'il fit un voyage exprès, pour me traiter d'une maladie bien longue, et il m'accompagna ensuite à Berlin. Je n'oublierais jamais cette marque de dévouement. Je vous prie de le lui dire." With this and several other observations her Majesty concluded the interview, after which she retired. On my return home, I had the good fortune to find a young English merchant, Mr. Thomas Paris, who was desirous of returning to England, and expressed a wish to accompany me part of the way. As he had been resident for some years at St. Petersburgh, and spoke the Russian language, it may well be imagined that I accepted, with readiness, the proposal of having so useful a travelling companion. Subsequent experience showed me that I could not have met with one more agreeable. The few remaining hours were spent in saying farewell to the numerous friends and acquaintances, from most of whom I had received so much kindness; after which, having taken an affectionate leave of the Count and Countess Woronzow, whose health I had the gratification of seeing greatly restored, and whose affable and obliging deportment towards their physician I can never forget, I followed my travelling companion into the metamorphosed britschka, and bade adieu to ST. PETERSBURGH. PART THE THIRD. JOURNEY FROM ST. PETERSBURGH TO LONDON. CHAPTER I. POLAND. Winter Roads.-Frights and Accidents. Delays. Freezing of the DWINA.-State of the Towns in the Government of WILNA. - Post Houses. We cast off our Sledges. The Jews. Roads to the Russian Frontiers. - KOVNO. - Custom-house and curious regulation respecting money. Crossing the Niemen. - Bonaparte and the Sinister Omen. Frontiers of the Kingdom of Poland. Appearance of the Country. - State of its Agriculture.-A French Soldier's opinion of Poland. - An Apology for Grumblers. of Retreat of the French Army. Napoleon at Lomza, OSTROLENZA and POULTOUSK.Approach to WARSAW. - More Annoyances, Political, Fiscal, Financial, and Medical.—Crossing the Vistula. Hôtel de l'Europe. — General Appearance of Warsaw.— The Streets, Squares, Churches, and Palaces. - Situation of the Town. PRAGUE. Parallel between Warsaw and St. Petersburgh. The Poles. The Lieutenant du Roi. Military Patroduction to the Grand Duke CONSTANTINE. - His personal appearance. His ménage and mode of living. · Conduct of the King of Poland and Constantine towards the Poles in matters of Civil Administration.- Popularity of the Grand-duke with the Army. - General FANSHAWE.—The Polish Army. IT was on the 11th of December 1827, and at 7 o'clock A.M', the thermometer marking 0 degrees of Fahrenheit, |