Correspondence (outgoing)

[ Right side]

would be presented to the Pope we also heard just as we were about to leave the report of the assassination of the Czar of Russia his two youngest sons were in Rome and had been telegraphed for to return immediately. Mr. Grand of the firm and Consul of our country came to escort us and we had a prize view of the review. The Queen did not come out as was anticipated because of the news and her nervousness the King as it was said was quite nervous as I should think he might be as he is not a high standard of a man and the feelings between royalty and the Church is bitter - but the parade came

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the streets alive with people flags flying the King rode a horse so like [Bismarck ?] it could be mistaken for him, and the next best horse the same color and like dots Leland counted all the companies and footed up only five thousand at 1/2 past 11 we left returned to the hotel to doff our bonnets put on blk lace veils this dress one is obliged to wear must all be blk - Miss Small from [?] [Trieste ?] with us to the review. [ ?] each to the fenestration. Leland took 1/2 dozen roserys[sic] to be blest and to give away this whole thing made Clara supremely happy - We went up a good many steps to a private room in the Vatican the Pope's guard dressed

[Left side]

Mountains - [ ? ed?] almost at their tips overlooking the plain and the beautiful sea - at last we saw the grand old mountain of Vesuvius only its outline but we heard it and [discerned, discovered ?] the red light [f]issue and clouds of smoke - Leland was wild with interest I have read a good deal to him about Rome and Naples - also the last days of Pompeii aloud - We had written for rooms at the Hotel Bristol as Mr Mills staid [sic] here it is perched high up on the hill side overlooking Naples and on Vesuvius - but we do not stay here in spite of its wonderful fascinations Such a night as we had clear not a cloud and and we watched this great silvery moon in the blue sky as it rose from behind Vesuivus at 8 oclock.

[Right side]

Pope appeared tall thin white as marble dressed in white [murruin?] dress with a wide natural ribbon sash round his waist surrounded by six or seven chamberlains and guard - he slowly came down the side of the room saying a few words to each laying his hand on their heads to bless them. an officer preceeded him asking the names and then announced them quietly to the Pope he soon reached us the officer recognized Clara and said quietly to the Pope particularly . So he halted blessed Clara laid his hand on my head and said I give you the blessings of your heart he then took my hand his was like ice - on the third finger he had on his ring of sap[p]hire and diamonds - and

[Pencil notation] 1891 Mar 16 [p 2?]

Has been worn by all the Popes dead and been kissed by so many next came Leland and I was quite amused to see Leland put the Popes hand to his mouth and kiss the ring as all the others did he staid [sic] awhile longer but not till he was [entirely ?] [through ?] as it was late and the room to [sic] cold without wraps Leland said he shook so he could not first keep his teeth from chattering but as the Pope reached him he was as cool as anyone - Clara was too happy to eat or sleep. Tuesday we left at 4 and had a heavy hard ride till 11 oclock this car jollted [sic]so badly the seat so hard that had it not been for the interest we felt looking at the country we passed we would have been exhausted - but all

[Left side]

our attention was absorbed in the [new?] [ctry?] and oh how beautifully strange this country is as night came and the beautiful silvery moon and it was full it seemed as if we were in another world The wind blew quite hard but still the sky was clear and even crisp and like a night at home when the cold is so intense the sleigh runners squeke[sic] over the snow still it was not cold and Leland said Mama it seems to me this wind blowing past the moon has polished it so brightly is the cause of it being so bright We had the sea on one side and the soft looking mountains and hills green and dotted with quaint old castles and

[Penciled notation top right] 1881 March 16 p. 3

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and so strong so beautifully created the soft skies and the climate remind me of dear California and the aspect of this country too but how young we are compared to this There are seven hundred inhabitants in this city and I saw more magnificient establishments fine houses liveried servants than I have seen any where and then in good contrast the [sounds?] of little donkeys [caring?] [sic] the pannes with a woman between the peasants and native Neopolitan [society?] playing it is a study and pleasing but I dare not stay here there is so much Typhoid fever among the visitors so we leave at 4 today.

[Left side]

go to [Castellammare] one hour by rail and view Vesuvius will go to[ ?] and Pompeii from there and return quickly to Rome rest ten days and go to Florence where we only rested remain there about a week and then go to Milan and Venice. I hope before I leave Florence to hear you are on the way Leland has just come [he's been on heard?] Russian horse Man of War - is begging me to go to the Island of Capri but I cannot consent I am anxious to get out of Italy now it is quite warm so far south Have just received your letter from Rome sent on dated Feb 22nd Your[s?]

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last eve the red light from the peak we see strong contrast as the moon of silver rose and cast its rays on the sea over the house tops and palaces and the streets and houses below us on our Hotel well worth all this anxiety and fatigue I have had about coming here- I went out yesterday of turn Leland [ ?] [ ?] so I to the Museum and spent two of the most interesting hours I have known since I came on this side. Oh if you can only come to Rome and here I would not feel badly about the other places left out You must see this old world - you cannot conceive anything like it on earth -This city is beautiful to me -

[Left side]

are not sure of getting away early I feel so disappointed I am discouraged about your coming from the fact that Jennie Flood writes in a letter dated the same day as yours that Mr. [Crocker?] is going East with his family this spring - You do not say anything about Ariel going to you-Kate wrote me this news all ready and shes glad for Ariel [like ?] only waiting your dispatch to [ ?] I hope you will leave him to look after some of your [intents ?]I have a Lector in view a teacher in the Anglo American College at Nice He speaks French well and teaches English to the boys he came to see me twice but I hoped to be better decided but did not succeede[sic], I take him only on trial - Leland speaks German & French quite well - uses it [although, all together ?] with George who is the best servant and

[continued along side of left page] I ever had around me not a fault to find in him with love ever from your wife

Jane L. Stanford