Spiers: Memoranda of an autumn tour in 1836

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AUG. 17. WED

- At six o'clock we repaired to the char-a-banc which was to convey us to Les Ardennes. It is not like the char-a-banc of Switzerland which carries two persons & a driver, but a small diligence. Large enough though for 16 persons who occupied it. We had taken our places with the driver in front for the convenience of jumping down more easily when disposed for a walk. Our companions were principally persons returning home from the fête at Liège whither concerts, balls & English horse races had attracted them; Among them was a Baron & a Count & a man of 50 or 60 whose features & size & style reminded me most entirely of the Duke of Wellington. His son came to see his father depart & a hearty salute on each side of the cheek seemed to make them satisfied with the separation. The old man told us in the course of the day that he was an aubergiste at Ciney & that his son had risen by his education & talents to a highly respectable situation in Liège & that he had spent the fête with him at Liège. That his son had plenty of friends, that he had drunk the best of wines at their houses & fared sumptuously every day. He had seen some most wonderful sights, particularly the horse racing, the reality of which he almost now even seemed to doubt & had altogether been "bien content" with his journey & was satisfied to return home to tell his wife & daughter & neighbours all the wonders he had seen. ~~~ We crossed the Meuse in a rowing boat opposite Seraing through which we passed without discovering in the inhabitants any signs of a large manufactory. This is Mr Cockerill's largest establishment & 2500 workmen were employed here previously to the Belgic revolution. Since Holland has procured the supply of her wants from other sources however the number has much fallen off. The Bishop of Liege's castle of Schonwalt formerly occupied its site.

Our ride was through a very cheerful country of steep hills & valley & much walking in the course of the day had we. Our breakfast

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