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THE EUROPEAN JOURNALS 



331 



heart thrilled with pride at his words. Are not we of 

 America men? Have we not the same nerves, sinews, and 

 mental faculties which other nations possess? By Wash- 

 ington ! we have, and may God grant us the peaceable use 

 of them forever. I received compliments from all around 

 me ; Gerard spoke of nothing but my work, and requested 

 some prospectuses for Italy. He repeated what Baron 

 Cuvicr had said in the morning, and hoped that the Minis- 

 ter would order a good, round set of copies for the Govern- 

 ment. I closed the book, and rambled around the rooms 

 which were all ornamented with superb prints, mostly of 

 Gerard's own paintings. The ladies were all engaged at 

 cards, and money did not appear to be scarce in this 

 portion of Paris. 



October 2, Well, my Lucy, this day found me, about 

 two o'clock, in contemplation of a picture by Gerard in 

 the salon of the Minister of the Interior. Very different, 

 is it not, from looking up a large decaying tree, watching 

 the movements of a Woodpecker? I was one of several 

 who were waiting, but only one person was there when I 

 arrived, who entered into conversation with me, — a most 

 agreeable man and the King's physician, possessed of fine 

 address and much learning, being also a good botanist. 

 Half an hour elapsed, when the physician was called ; he 

 was absent only a few minutes, and returning bowed to me 

 and smiled as my name was called. I found the Minister a 

 man about my own age, apparently worn out with business ; 

 he wore a long, loose, gray surtout, and said, " Well, sir, 

 I am glad to see you ; where is your great work? " I had 

 the portfolio brought in, and the plates were exhibited. 

 " Really, monsieur, it is a very fine thing; " and after some 

 questions and a little conversation he asked me to write to 

 him again, and put my terms in writing, and he would 

 reply as soon as possible. He looked at me very fixedly, 

 but so courteously I did not mind it. I tied up my 

 portfolio and soon departed, having taken as much of 



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