CHAPTER VI. ST. PETERSBURGH. "THE VIOLENCE WHICH PETER THE GREAT DID TO NATURE, BY TRANSFERRING THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT TO A MARSH, AND THERE BUILDING PETERSBURGH HIS CAPITAL, MAY BE PARDONED FOR THE SUCCESS THAT HAS ATTENDED IT, AND ALSO IN CONSIDERATION OF THE SMALL NUMBER OF MARITIME POSITIONS AMONG WHICH HE HAD TO CHOOSE."-Lord Brougham. "How oft the ruddy cheek will pale How oft the glowing heart will quail We fear the billow's dash, but why? There's One whose wide and watchful eye Sleeps not above the wave." ELIZA COOK. ST. CHAPTER VI. PETERSBURGH. HE Maria was again chartered for St. Petersburgh, THE and my father resolved to take with him on the voyage his wife and infant son. They sailed from Bridlington Quay, and reached the Bay of Revel in a few weeks, after a comparatively pleasant voyage. On landing at Revel, Captain Smith was informed by a friend of a young lady named Merritt, who was anxious to obtain his aid. She had gone to Revel in the capacity of a governess, with a military gentleman, but had not long been in the family ere she was treated in a most ungenerous manner. She wished to leave, but was detained against her will. Not knowing what to do, she made her case known to a friend, who told her that Captain Smith was expected daily, and that he would doubtless try to effect her escape. On hearing of her position Captain Smith determined to do so, and Miss Merritt met him by appointment at a certain spot, when he threw over her his wife's cloak, and thus got her, in disguise, on board his ship. In my mother's journal of this date, a few scraps of which only have been preserved, I find the following entry, June 5th, 1814: "Spent all the day alone. In the evening went, to my joy, on board the ship to live. Mr. Smith went on shore and brought Miss Merritt, intending to take her home with us on our return to England. I felt very glad of her company." The ship immediately left for Cronstadt, but for several days Mrs. Smith was in great trouble, arising from the illness of her child, whom she thought she was about to lose. On his recovery she was animated with fresh joy, and having arrived at Cronstadt, she meditated an excursion to St. Petersburgh, the far-famed capital of all the Russias. Wednesday, the 21st, she says, "This morning we set off for St. Petersburgh about nine, and arrived about two, after a very pleasant passage. We then rode in a drosky to the principal market, which is a very beautiful place, containing a row of shops forming a large circle, but all under cover, and very neat and clean. All the way to the market the road is very pleasant. The streets are broad, and the houses, being plastered, have a very light appearance. In the middle of the principal streets there are broad gravel walks, with trees on each side. VISITING THE CITY. 85 These produce a beautiful effect, besides being very accommodating to those who walk. We purchased some shoes and other articles, and then rode back to the inn. Friday, 23rd." This morning we all went, with Mr. Reay for our interpreter, to see the Hermitage. It is part of the palace, and for beauty exceeds all conception. There are in it about a hundred and fifty rooms, all full of the finest paintings, vases, time-pieces, shells, pearls, diamonds, coins-everything that art and nature could furnish. It seemed to me like an enchantment. The throne room is very handsome; the ceiling is in bronze and gold. In one room there is a beautiful set of chairs and sofas, all needlework, in landscapes. There is also a fine full-length portrait of Alexander. From the palace we went to see Peter the Great's house, said to be the first erected in St. Petersburgh. It contains only three rooms, which are very low. It was built by Peter himself, and there is also a boat of his own construction. At the castle we saw the tombs of Peter the Great and of Paul, and the room in which the latter was strangled. Another room here is said to be the largest in the world, being 160 feet long by 130 broad. We then went to the Kasan Church, which is superb indeed. In it are many pearls and diamonds, and over the altar table a very beautiful painting of our Lord's last supper. The rail |