May 25th – Visited the Palace, where we saw a very large diamond loot by Charles the Bold on the battlefield of Gransen. It was sold for $250. Also a ruby about the size of an egg. The crown jewels are the finest in Europe except Russia, valued at millions of dollars. We saw three distinct sets – one of diamonds, another of emeralds surrounded with several rows of diamonds and another which I like best were large rubies with rows of diamonds forming a rose; also smaller ones forming rosebuds. The leaves were all diamonds. All these jewels were set in silver. The latter set was a tiara, a necklace, a broach, earrings and an exquisite girdle. We saw jeweled swords and numbers of ornaments attached to ribbon of the ____ of the Golden Fleece, Imperial robes of Charlemagne, Baptismal robes of Napoleon II, a present from the city of Paris. They were richly embroidered with pearls; also a silver cralle. Besides all this we saw numbers of curious things, gold services, a variety of India work, wood and ivory beautifully carved. The horoscope was quite wonderful.

Walked on the Belvedero. Went to Nahke garden and returned again at 7 o’clock to hear the composer Strauss, who plays accompanied by his fine band every Friday. They were seated on a diagonal stand in front of a grand café. Numbers of persons were seated around tables enjoying coffee (mélange) or ices. Everything was orderly and all were highly entertained by the sweet music. There were a number of ladies. After refreshment we stayed as long as we could endure the smoke, as such a custom is not considered improper before ladies. The garden is prettily arranged, a music stand for the band in summer, with tables around it. Is quite cool here.

May 26th – A rainy day. Went to the dentist and spent the afternoon in shopping. Found things very cheap. Embroidered chemises for $2.00 and other things in proportion. Also a quantity of German lace.

May 27th – Started out to find protestant service, but not succeeding we went to the Catholic (St. Peters) where we heard come most splendid music, the organ accompanied by instrument and singing. After dinner took a carriage and drove out on the Prada, a most charming drive, through avenues of chestnut trees; extending for miles on one side, promenade crowded with fine looking ladies and gentlemen handsomely attired. On the other side was a road for equestrians and on either side of these walks were beautiful lawns, as far as the eye could reach. But the chief attractions was the Empress, whom all were in anxious expectation of seeing. We had a pleasant smile and bow from her. She is beautiful. Her dress was very tasteful. Her carriage was drawn by four horses, two riders on the first two horses and two mounted behind, all clothed in yellow livery. The road was lined up with carriages, along which wore those of many of the nobility, dukes, arch dukes and duchesses and barons and baronesses – all had fine equipages and liveries. The people stood on either side of the road as they passed and appeared. The Minister of Finance had a carriage drawn by six horses. This does not look like the treasury was declining.
We are charmed with Vienna. It is said to have the largest number of resident nobility in Europe. It is said that with the exception of London, the citizens of Vienna are the richest in Europe.