Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886
Saturday 16th April. Wrote to the Archbishop, the Bishop of Hobarton and Dr. Geoghegan, Bishop-elect of Adelaide, making known the election of the last named Bishop, which took place yesterday in Consistory.
Tuesday 19th April. Started for Viterbo. As we approached Viterbo the scenery became at intervals picturesque and wild.
Wednesday 20th April. Drove to Orvieto, passing through Monte Fiascone and Bolsena. Bolsena is a miserable town beautifully situated on the banks of a large lake; the country around is picturesque, hilly and well cultivated. In Orvieto visited the magnificent Cathedral. It is a noble edifice, rich in architecture, painting and sculpture. Its celebrated well or Pozzo di San Patrizio is very deep; two spiral stairs cut in the rock serve for descent and ascent. Orvieto is built on a remarkable rocky elevation, rising abruptly out of a narrow plain.
Friday 22nd April. In Sienna. Its Cathedral, public library, and museum would do honour to any capital in Europe.
Wednesday 27th April. From Florence to Pisa. Great excitement here as well as in Florence. The Archduke has fled, a provisional Government has been appointed; the enthusiasm seems to be confined to a few; the working classes and those in business seem indifferent.
Thursday 28th April. Engaged a vetturino to take me to Genoa for five napoleons. The country looked charming and highly cultivated. Notwithstanding the war and the flight of the Grand Duke, the people seem intent on their industrial pursuits, as if nothing had happened.
Saturday 30th April. Reached Genoa about 3 as the French troops were arriving. It was 6 before I got to the hotel, being delayed by the passage of the troops. Their reception did not seem to me to be very good; the people looked on quietly as they passed. When the eagle appeared, there was a faint clapping of hands.