eclusion, comfort, and elegance. It was Crusoe-life
idealized. As we approached the landing-place, the interesting family
of our host, surrounded by numerous friends, stood upon a little
eminence awaiting our arrival. While we gazed with pleasurable
emotions at the pretty scene before us, a most delicate and
appropriate compliment was paid to our excellent minister, Mr.
Haldeman, and his accomplished wife, who were of the party. The
American flag was hoisted upon a pole near the landing by Mrs.
Fristadius, and the company with one accord arose and greeted with
three cheers this glorious emblem of liberty. I shall never forget the
mingled feelings of pride and pleasure with which I looked upon the
stars and stripes once more, after months of dreary depression in
countries where freedom is but a glimmering hope in the human heart.
But here in Sweden the spirit of our institutions is appreciated;
here I found myself surrounded by noble and trusty friends of the
American Union, loyal to their own liberal government, yet devoted to
the great cause of human freedom wherever it can exist consistently
with the progress of the times and the capacity of the people for
self-government. As the flag waved in the breeze, an inspiring song of
liberty burst from the joyous company--one of those soul-stirring
songs of Belman, which find a response in the breast of every
Swede--wild, impassioned, and patriotic, breathing in every word and
intonation the chivalrous spirit of men whose ancestry had fought
under the glorious banners of Gustavus Adolphus.

As soon as the song was concluded the little steam-boat drew up to the
wharf, where we were most kindly and cordially greeted by the family
of our host. After a pleasant ramble about the grounds we proceeded to
the house, which is situated on a picturesque eminence overlooking the
lake, and the adjacent shores and islands. Here, in a large and
elegant saloon, opening on all sides upon a spacious veranda, a
sumptuous collation was spread. The company lounged about without
ceremony, eating, drinking, and enjoying themselves as they pleased;
wit and wine flowed together, unrestrained by the slightest formality.
In the midst of our "feast of reason and flow of soul," Mr. Fristadius
made a neat and appropriate little speech of "welcome to all his
friends," which was followed by a song from the musical gentlemen;
after which he proposed a toast to a young married couple present.
This was follow