“About two o’clock our attendant, an officer named Thoerner, under the principal chamberlain who is, I believe, Count Borsch, called to say our carriages were ready.  We found three carriages in waiting with three servants each, the coachman and two footmen, in splendid liveries; some in the imperial red and gold lace, and others in blue and broad gold lace emblazoned throughout with the double headed eagle.  We seated ourselves in the carriages which were then driven at a rapid rate to the great palace, the entrance to which directly overlooked the numerous and celebrated grand fountains.  Hundreds of well-dressed people thronged on each side of the carriageway as we drove up to the door.  After alighting we were ushered through a long hall and through a double row of servants of various grades, loaded with gold lace and with chapeaux bras.  Ascending the broad staircase, on each side of which we found more liveried servants, we entered an anteroom between two Africans dressed in the costume of Turkey, and servants of a higher grade, and then onward into a large and magnificent room where were assembled those who were to be presented.  Here we found ourselves among princes and nobles and distinguished persons of all nations.  Among the English ladies were Lady Granville and Lady Emily Peel, the wife of Sir Robert Peel, the latter a beautiful woman and dressed with great taste, having on her head a Diana coronet of diamonds....  Among the gentlemen were officers attached to the various deputations from England, Austria, France and Sardinia.  Several princes were among them, and conspicuous for splendor of dress was Prince Esterhazy; parts of his dress and the handle and scabbard of his sword blazed with diamonds.

“Here we remained for some time.  From the windows of the hall we looked out upon the magnificent fountains and the terrace crowned with gorgeous vases of blue and gold and gilded statues.  At length the master of ceremonies appeared and led the way to the southern veranda that overlooked the garden, ranging us in line and reading our names from a list, to see if we were truly mustered, after which a side door opened and the Emperor Alexander entered.  His majesty was dressed in military costume, a blue sash was across his breast passing over the right shoulder; on his left breast were stars and orders.  He commenced at the head of the column, which consisted of some fourteen or fifteen persons, and, on the mention of the name by the master of ceremonies, he addressed a few words to each.  To Mr. Colt he said:  ’Ah!  I have seen you before.  When did you arrive?  I am glad to see you.’  When he came to me the master of ceremonies miscalled my name as Mr. More.  I instantly corrected him and said, ‘No, Mr. Morse.’  The emperor at once said:  ’Ah! that name is well known here; your system of Telegraph is in use in Russia.  How long have you been in St. Petersburg?  I hope you have enjoyed yourself.’  To which I appropriately replied.  After a few more unimportant questions and answers the emperor addressed himself to the other gentlemen and retired.