Letter to Harriet Leslie, 1844 May 14-15

Leslie and his wife write to their daughter from Brussels, where they are staying. Leslie writes first, commenting on the impressive Catholic churches and services there, and in particular on the music. He goes into great detail about the various services and forms of music performed in church. He includes a description and small ink sketch of a figure representing the Virgin Mary, over whose head "is a large halo of silver stars." He also writes of visiting the Royal Castle of Laeken, saying of "the palace of Leopold" that "as he is at present there, we could only see the outside which is very handsome." Leslie expresses disappointment that "we have not seen many first rate pictures," but he hopes to see some later on when he and his wife travel to Cologne, Frankfort, Holland, and back to Belgium to see Antwerp. Harriet Stone Leslie then takes over the pen and inquires about her daughter's health and the situation at home. She comments briefly on what souvenirs she is contemplating purchasing for the children. A final note, seemingly in C.R. Leslie's hand, appears at the very end of the letter, penned on May 15th. The letter is postmarked May 15, 1844 and sent to Harriet Leslie at 12 Pine Apple Place, Edgware Road, London.