It was Morse’s good fortune to have been a spectator, at various times and in different places, of events of more or less historical moment.  We have seen that he was in England during the War of 1812; that he witnessed the execution of the assassin of a Prime Minister; that he was a keen and interested observer of the festivities in honor of a Czar of Russia, a King of France, and a famous general (Bluecher); and although not mentioned in his correspondence, he was fond of telling how he had seen the ship sailing away to distant St. Helena bearing the conquered Napoleon Bonaparte into captivity.  Now, while he was diligently pursuing his art in Rome, he was privileged to witness the funeral obsequies of one Pope and the ceremonies attendant upon the installation of his successor.  In future years the same good fortune followed him.

His presence on these occasions was not always unattended by danger to himself.  His discretion during the years of war between England and America saved him from possible annoyance or worse, and now again in Rome he was called upon to exercise the same virtue, for the Church had entered upon troublous times, and soon the lives of foreigners were in danger, and many of them left the city.

On Thursday, February 10, there is this entry in the journal:  “The revolutions in the Papal States to the north at Bologna and Ancona, and in the Duchy of Modena, have been made known at Rome.  Great consternation prevails.”  We learn further that, on February 12, “Rumors of conspiracy are numerous.  The time, the places of rendezvous, and even the numbers are openly talked of.  The streets are filled with the people who gaze at each other inquisitively, and apprehension seems marked on every face.  The shops are shutting, troops are stationed in the piazzas, and everything wears a gloomy aspect.  At half-past seven a discharge of musketry is heard.  Among the reports of the day is one that the Trasteverini have plotted to massacre the forestieri in case of a revolt.”

While the festivities of the Carnival were, on account of these disturbances, ordered by the Pope to be discontinued, the religious ceremonies were still observed, and, going to St. Peter’s one day—­“to witness the ceremonies of consecration as a bishop and coronation as a king of the Pope”—­Morse had this pleasant experience:—­

“The immense area seemed already filled; a double line of soldiers enclosed a wide space, from the great door through the middle of the church, on each side of the altar, and around the richly enclosed space where were erected the two papal thrones and the seats for the cardinals.  Into this soldier-invested space none but the privileged were permitted to enter; ambassadors, princes, dukes, and nobles of every degree were seen, in all their splendor of costume, promenading.