Showing posts with label agent needed. Show all posts
Showing posts with label agent needed. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Manuscripts
OK, I have more then 15 completed manuscripts, they need an agent, does anyone known any that are of any value???????????
Is there life out there in the land of agents
This is nuts, who reads these, anyone, is there anyone out there, my email is mable1002000@aol.com I've sent out about 500 emails and letters to these so called agents who want so much, demand more and give nothing, such a waste of time, technology is going to waste of these self styled low life's, first they lead you on, they bring you in for the kill and then ask for money, one must wonder how many really god authors have gone unknown due to this bunch, please, someone, any one, tell me there is at least one good agent and one that is taking need authors. Why do these guys place ads if they don't want submissions???????
Monday, October 22, 2007
Female Saints of the Cross
notes from my manuscript :
Female Saints of the Cross
Frederick Von Thrauthemburg Morris
Female Saints
Women have played a great role in the development and making of the catholic religion. The history of the Church is full of many female Catholic saints, who received recognition for great deeds or meritorious conduct. Many lost their lives in defense of the catholic faith, while others were themselves the mothers of important saints. Many were also honored for their contributions to the Church and their community.
Throughout the history of the Saints, their tales, lives and deeds have come to us in many forms, some told over and over, some through church documentation while other information has come from historians passing down information through generations so that the data would not be lost. Unfornately, much of the early history has been lost, wars, fire and other events have destoried more then just civilians, they’ve also destroyed the history and cultures of the people of the time. Much of the information about the saints, their lives and events, are documented in bits and pieces, maped together to tell a story, the lives of the saints as we know them today. This text is not complete, it will never be as the the information is no longer available to us. This text is a gathering of information about the Saints as best we can put together, there are more then 10,000 saints in the history of the church, therefore those here are the ones we’ve been able to identify and document.
St. Ada, Feastday: December 4 - seventh century -Abbess and dedicated virgin, noted in France as a patroness of religious women. Ada was a niece of St. Engebert, the bishop who was murdered by his own cousin. Raised in a pious household and influenced by her uncle, Ada joined a convent in Soissons, France. She later became the abbess of St. Julien-des-Prés in Le Mans.
Bl. Adeline Feastday: October 20, 1125 - Adeline was the sister of Blessed Vitale, Abbot of Savigny and was introduced to the religious life by him or her. She rose to become the first Abbess of the monastery founded at Mortain in 1105 or 1115 by Count William of Mortain. The Rule followed by this religious house was that of St. Benedict together with a few observances drawn from the Cistercian tradition. Because of the color of their habit the religious came to be called the "White Ladies." After a life dedicated to prayer, mortification, and charitable works, Blessed Adeline was called to her reward in 1125. Such was her reputation for sanctity that shortly afterward she began to be honored as one of the Blessed and her remains were solemnly transferred (together with those of her brother and other religious) to Savigny.
St. Agape, Feastday: February 15, 273, Martyr and follower of St. Valentine. She belonged to a group of virgins started by St. Valentine. A church in Termi was dedicated to her until the twelfth century, and she is listed in early martyrologies.
St. Agatha - Feastday: February 5, although we have evidence that Agatha was venerated at least as far back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. In the legend of her life, we are told that she belonged to a rich, important family. When she was young, she dedicated her life to God and resisted any men who wanted to marry her or have sex with her. One of these men, Quintian, was of a high enough rank that he felt he could force her to acquiesce. Knowing she was a Christian in a time of persecution, he had her arrested and brought before the judge - - himself. He expected her to give in to when faced with torture and possible death, but she simply affirmed her belief in God by praying: "Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep: make me worthy to overcome the devil." Legend tells us that Quintian imprisoned her in a brothel in order to get her to change her mind. Quintian brought her back before him after she had suffered a month of assault and humiliation in the brothel, but Agatha had never wavered, proclaiming that her freedom came from Jesus. Quintian sent her to prison, instead of back to the brothel -- a move intended to make her more afraid, but which probably was a great relief to her. When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, Quintian had her tortured. He refused her any medical care but God gave her all the care she needed in the form of a vision of St. Peter. When she was tortured again, she died after saying a final prayer: "Lord, my Creator, you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my soul." Because one of the tortures she supposedly suffered was to have her breasts cut off, she was often depicted carrying her breasts on a plate. It is thought that blessing of the bread that takes place on her feast may have come from the mistaken notion that she was carrying loaves of bread. Because she was asked for help during the eruption of Mount Etna she is considered a protector against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patroness of bellmakers for an unknown reason -- though some speculate it may have something to do with the fact that bells were used as fire alarms.
St. Agnes - Feastday: Janury 21, 304 Patron of the Children of Mary, St. Agnes was a Roman girl who was only thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom for her Faith. Agnes had made a promise, a promise to God never to stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was very great and she hated sin even more than death! Since she was very beautiful, many young men wished to marry Agnes, but she would always say, "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse." Procop, the Governor's son, became very angry when she refused him. He had tried to win her for his wife with rich gifts and promises, but the beautiful young girl kept saying, "I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!" In great anger, Procop accused her of being a Christian and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would only deny God, but Agnes refused. He tried to change her mind by putting her in chains, but her lovely face shone with joy. Next he sent her to a place of sin, but an Angel protected her. At last, she was condemned to death. Even the pagans cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was as happy as a bride on her wedding day. She did not pay attention to those who begged her to save herself. "I would offend my Spouse," she said, "if I were to try to please you. He chose me first and He shall have me!" Then she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.
St. Agnes of Assisi - Feastday: November 16, Agnes was born in Assisi. She was the younger sister of St. Clare. At fifteen she joined Clare at the Benedictine convent of Sant'Angelo di Panzo. Determined to follow her sister's life of poverty and penance, she resisted her relatives' attempts to force her to return home, and was given the habit by St. Francis and sent to San Damiano with Clare, thus founding the Poor Clares. St. Francis appointed her abbess of the Poor Clares' convent at Monticelli near Florence in 1219. She established convents at Mantua, Venice, and Padua, and supported her sister's struggle for poverty in their Order. Agnes was with Clare at her death and died three months later, on November 16, reportedly as predicted by Clare. Many miracles have been reported at her tomb in Santa Chiara Church in Assisi.
St. Agnes of Bohemia - March 2, 1282, Agnes was the daughter of King Ottokar of Bohemia. She was engaged to Boleslaus when she was three and when he died, to Henry, son of Emperor Frederick II, when she was nine. She was overjoyed when Henry married the daughter of the Duke of Austria, as she had offered herself to God and hoped to live a life of austerity and virginity. Her brother affianced her to Frederick, and when in 1235 Frederick sent for her she petitioned Pope Gregory IX to intercede for her; when he did, Frederick released her from the engagement. In 1236 she built a convent for the Friars Minor in Prague, staffed by five nuns sent by St. Clare, and Agnes took the veil there. She was named abbess soon after and became renowned for her humility, aid to the poor, and her dedication to poverty. She died in Prague on March 2, 1282. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1989.
St. Agnes De - Feastday: July 12, 1841, Vietnamese Christian martyr. She was born in Baiden and was raised in a Christian family. Agnes was arrested and died in prison at Namdinh on July 12. Agnes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
Female Saints of the Cross
Frederick Von Thrauthemburg Morris
Female Saints
Women have played a great role in the development and making of the catholic religion. The history of the Church is full of many female Catholic saints, who received recognition for great deeds or meritorious conduct. Many lost their lives in defense of the catholic faith, while others were themselves the mothers of important saints. Many were also honored for their contributions to the Church and their community.
Throughout the history of the Saints, their tales, lives and deeds have come to us in many forms, some told over and over, some through church documentation while other information has come from historians passing down information through generations so that the data would not be lost. Unfornately, much of the early history has been lost, wars, fire and other events have destoried more then just civilians, they’ve also destroyed the history and cultures of the people of the time. Much of the information about the saints, their lives and events, are documented in bits and pieces, maped together to tell a story, the lives of the saints as we know them today. This text is not complete, it will never be as the the information is no longer available to us. This text is a gathering of information about the Saints as best we can put together, there are more then 10,000 saints in the history of the church, therefore those here are the ones we’ve been able to identify and document.
St. Ada, Feastday: December 4 - seventh century -Abbess and dedicated virgin, noted in France as a patroness of religious women. Ada was a niece of St. Engebert, the bishop who was murdered by his own cousin. Raised in a pious household and influenced by her uncle, Ada joined a convent in Soissons, France. She later became the abbess of St. Julien-des-Prés in Le Mans.
Bl. Adeline Feastday: October 20, 1125 - Adeline was the sister of Blessed Vitale, Abbot of Savigny and was introduced to the religious life by him or her. She rose to become the first Abbess of the monastery founded at Mortain in 1105 or 1115 by Count William of Mortain. The Rule followed by this religious house was that of St. Benedict together with a few observances drawn from the Cistercian tradition. Because of the color of their habit the religious came to be called the "White Ladies." After a life dedicated to prayer, mortification, and charitable works, Blessed Adeline was called to her reward in 1125. Such was her reputation for sanctity that shortly afterward she began to be honored as one of the Blessed and her remains were solemnly transferred (together with those of her brother and other religious) to Savigny.
St. Agape, Feastday: February 15, 273, Martyr and follower of St. Valentine. She belonged to a group of virgins started by St. Valentine. A church in Termi was dedicated to her until the twelfth century, and she is listed in early martyrologies.
St. Agatha - Feastday: February 5, although we have evidence that Agatha was venerated at least as far back as the sixth century, the only facts we have about her are that she was born in Sicily and died there a martyr. In the legend of her life, we are told that she belonged to a rich, important family. When she was young, she dedicated her life to God and resisted any men who wanted to marry her or have sex with her. One of these men, Quintian, was of a high enough rank that he felt he could force her to acquiesce. Knowing she was a Christian in a time of persecution, he had her arrested and brought before the judge - - himself. He expected her to give in to when faced with torture and possible death, but she simply affirmed her belief in God by praying: "Jesus Christ, Lord of all, you see my heart, you know my desires. Possess all that I am. I am your sheep: make me worthy to overcome the devil." Legend tells us that Quintian imprisoned her in a brothel in order to get her to change her mind. Quintian brought her back before him after she had suffered a month of assault and humiliation in the brothel, but Agatha had never wavered, proclaiming that her freedom came from Jesus. Quintian sent her to prison, instead of back to the brothel -- a move intended to make her more afraid, but which probably was a great relief to her. When she continued to profess her faith in Jesus, Quintian had her tortured. He refused her any medical care but God gave her all the care she needed in the form of a vision of St. Peter. When she was tortured again, she died after saying a final prayer: "Lord, my Creator, you have always protected me from the cradle; you have taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Receive my soul." Because one of the tortures she supposedly suffered was to have her breasts cut off, she was often depicted carrying her breasts on a plate. It is thought that blessing of the bread that takes place on her feast may have come from the mistaken notion that she was carrying loaves of bread. Because she was asked for help during the eruption of Mount Etna she is considered a protector against the outbreak of fire. She is also considered the patroness of bellmakers for an unknown reason -- though some speculate it may have something to do with the fact that bells were used as fire alarms.
St. Agnes - Feastday: Janury 21, 304 Patron of the Children of Mary, St. Agnes was a Roman girl who was only thirteen years old when she suffered martyrdom for her Faith. Agnes had made a promise, a promise to God never to stain her purity. Her love for the Lord was very great and she hated sin even more than death! Since she was very beautiful, many young men wished to marry Agnes, but she would always say, "Jesus Christ is my only Spouse." Procop, the Governor's son, became very angry when she refused him. He had tried to win her for his wife with rich gifts and promises, but the beautiful young girl kept saying, "I am already promised to the Lord of the Universe. He is more splendid than the sun and the stars, and He has said He will never leave me!" In great anger, Procop accused her of being a Christian and brought her to his father, the Governor. The Governor promised Agnes wonderful gifts if she would only deny God, but Agnes refused. He tried to change her mind by putting her in chains, but her lovely face shone with joy. Next he sent her to a place of sin, but an Angel protected her. At last, she was condemned to death. Even the pagans cried to see such a young and beautiful girl going to death. Yet, Agnes was as happy as a bride on her wedding day. She did not pay attention to those who begged her to save herself. "I would offend my Spouse," she said, "if I were to try to please you. He chose me first and He shall have me!" Then she prayed and bowed her head for the death-stroke of the sword.
St. Agnes of Assisi - Feastday: November 16, Agnes was born in Assisi. She was the younger sister of St. Clare. At fifteen she joined Clare at the Benedictine convent of Sant'Angelo di Panzo. Determined to follow her sister's life of poverty and penance, she resisted her relatives' attempts to force her to return home, and was given the habit by St. Francis and sent to San Damiano with Clare, thus founding the Poor Clares. St. Francis appointed her abbess of the Poor Clares' convent at Monticelli near Florence in 1219. She established convents at Mantua, Venice, and Padua, and supported her sister's struggle for poverty in their Order. Agnes was with Clare at her death and died three months later, on November 16, reportedly as predicted by Clare. Many miracles have been reported at her tomb in Santa Chiara Church in Assisi.
St. Agnes of Bohemia - March 2, 1282, Agnes was the daughter of King Ottokar of Bohemia. She was engaged to Boleslaus when she was three and when he died, to Henry, son of Emperor Frederick II, when she was nine. She was overjoyed when Henry married the daughter of the Duke of Austria, as she had offered herself to God and hoped to live a life of austerity and virginity. Her brother affianced her to Frederick, and when in 1235 Frederick sent for her she petitioned Pope Gregory IX to intercede for her; when he did, Frederick released her from the engagement. In 1236 she built a convent for the Friars Minor in Prague, staffed by five nuns sent by St. Clare, and Agnes took the veil there. She was named abbess soon after and became renowned for her humility, aid to the poor, and her dedication to poverty. She died in Prague on March 2, 1282. She was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1989.
St. Agnes De - Feastday: July 12, 1841, Vietnamese Christian martyr. She was born in Baiden and was raised in a Christian family. Agnes was arrested and died in prison at Namdinh on July 12. Agnes was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988.
From my manuscript and notes of "Castles of Germany", photos removed.
Castles of Germany
By Baron Frederick Von Thrauthemburg un Morsbach Morris
Into -
This book is an introduction to the castles and great estates of Germany and the United States, each has its own history, many are open to the public where others are owned privately by the families.
Many of the photos and notes are taken from my diaries and journals during extended tours throughout Germany and the USA. My thanks and gratitude to family and friends who contributed to this book, provided photos, and the families living in these estates and who’ve provided histories and information.
ErzbichofburgThe Archbishop's Castle in Eltville
The castle in eltville was built on the banks of the Rhein in 1330. Until its destruction in 1635 it was the seat of the Bishops of Mainz, In the "Grafensaal" (Hall of the Counts) of the castle, Gutenberg, the inventor of printing, received the only tribute paid to him during his life-time. He was summoned into the court services by Adolf II of Nassau, Archbishop of Mainz, and thereby achieved economic security for his old age. A printer's workshop, dating from the 15th century, set up in one of the rooms, testifies to his work. The Castle is open to the public April-October.
Castle Klopp
Klopp Castle was erected upon the foundations of a Roman fortress and in the Middle Ages was the seat of the bailiff of the Archbishop of Mainz. It was here that Emperor Henry IV was taken prisoner by his illegitimate son and subsequently forced to renounce the crown. The Castle is open to the public daily.
Castle Bingerbruck
Situated at the head of the Binger Loch, Ehrenfels was a vital stratig point in the Middle Ages. It was here that the Archbishops of Mainz levied tolls, which, since this was the narrowest and most dangerous part of the journey along the Rhein, no ship could avoid paying. In times of war the treasures of Mainz Cathedral were held here for safe keeping. The castle was built in the first half of the 13th century, but destroyed in 1689, the ruins make a most picturesque sight.
Burg Rheinstein – Trechtingshausen
Particularly characteristic of the Rheinland castles is the position on a cliff, 260 ft. above the river. First mentioned in 1279, the castle became the property of the influential archbishop of Trier, Kuno von Falkenstein, in the 14th century. At the beginning of the 19th century Prince Friedrich of Prussia acquired the ruins and had them rebuilt in psudo-Gothic style. Rheinstein contains a collection of armor and art treasures of the 16th & 17th century, which is well worth seeing.
Godesburg Castle
As early as Roman times there was a shrine on this basalt hill towering up out of the plain. Previous to that the Germanic peoples had a place of sacrifice there (Wotansberg). The mediaeval castle, built around 1210, was a favorite residence of the Cologne Archbishops. In the so-called "Cologne War" it was overwhelmed by Archbishop Ernest von Bayern's troops and blown up. Rebuilt once again, it was finally destroyed in 1794. The views from this location are those found in many scrap books and a favorite tourist location.
Drachenfel Castle
On the wild, jagged Drachenfels towering up so mightily above the river, there once stood a proud castle, of which today only the high tower is still to be seen. The hill and the castle enjoy tremendous popularity and are visited yearly by countless numbers of people. The view from the 1050-ft.-high summit is considered one of the most famous on the Rhein. The former masters of the castle, the Counts of Drachenfels, had a winged, fire-spitting dragon in there coat of arms. This ties up with the saga of Siegfried, who is reputed to have slain the dragon, which lived in a cave on the hillside, and then bathed in the blood. Lord Byron and many other poets glorified the Drachenfels. In the last century the hilltop and the tower were jeopardized by the stone quarries, which had been continually extended, until the Government stepped in, taking over the peak and safeguarding the ruins from any further danger of subsidence. These ruins are open to the public all year round.
Schloss Stolzenfels
Some miles above Koblinz lies Stolzenfels half way up the hillside opposite the mouth of the River Lahn. Its ruins were reconstructed by the famous architect Schinkel, under commission to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. Once the seat of the Trier Archbishops, it has now been restored in a pseudo-Gothic style and serves today as a museum. The Castle is open to visitors, this castle is one of a few that bring to mind ancient castles, knights and Kings. Many weddings are perfumed here providing a princely back drop for any photographer.
Burg Lahneck
This castle's praises were sung by the young Goethe in 1774, in his poem "Geistesgruss" ("Hoch auf dem alten Turme"). It is situated where the River Lahn joins the Rhein and was the northernmost fortress of the Mainz Electorate, built in 1240. Although it had fallen into complete ruin by 1688, it was restored in the original style in 1860.
Sooneck Castle
The initial construction dates back to the year 1000 and the time of bishop Willegis of Mainz. It had, however, fallen into ruins by 1689. Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia acquired it in 1834 and had it rebuilt in psudo-Gothic style, as with the castles of Rheinstein and Stolzenfels. It is impressively situated, perched high over the "Soonecker Grund". The Castle is open to the Public.
Burg Stahleck
One of the most famous of the Rhein castles, and once closely connected with the history of the townlet of Bacharach, Stahleck received its first mention in 1135. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa handed over the castle, originally in the possesion of the Cologne Archbishops, to his brother Konrad, whose daughter, Agnes, much against her father's will, secretly married her childhood love, Henry of Welfen, son of Henry the Lion. Thus an end was brought about to the bitter feud between Guelf and Ghibelline. Today Stahleck serves as a Youth Hostel.
Heimburg Castle in Niederheimbach
The 13th century castle, with its 82-ft.-high tower used to be in the possesion of the Mainz Electorate. It fell into decay in the 17th century, but was later converted, in the 19th century, into a summer residence by Hugo Stinnes. It is currently owned by the Stinnes family. The Castle is open to the public.
Reichenstein Castle near Trechtingshausen
Above St Clement's Chapel, on the banks of the river, rises Reichenstein, one of the oldest castles on the Rhein. In the 13th century it was greatly feared as the hide-out of robber knights. It has twice been destroyed, once by the League of Rhenish Cities, and then again by the great opponent of the robbers, Emperor Rudolf von Hapsburg. Reichenstein Castle was rebuilt around 1900 and now houses a significant private collection of antlers and weapons.
Castle Gutenfels
The Pfaltz is one of the most curious fortified construction in the world. Built at the begining of the 14th century by Lewis the Babvrian for purpose of levying tolls on the Rhein, this island fortress was only once conquered in the autumn of 1504, Landgrave William of Hesse tricked and overcame the Spanish occupying forces with the help of a young girl, "little Elsa of Caub". Disguised as a lansquenet, she polited the attacking troops through the straits of the river. The Castle is all year round.
Castle Gutenfels
The castle and Caub, the town lying at its feet, became part of the Palatinate in 1277. It dates back to the first half of the 13th century and is in a splendid state of preservstion. With its stately three-storeyed palace and majestic 95-ft.-high belfrey, it presents a magnificent example of a Rheinland castle. Today it is used for the training of apprentices by an industrial concern, the management of which put the premises at the disposal of the Youth of Europe for courses and congresses. The Castle is not open to the public.
Rheineck Castle
The History of this Castle is long and serves as one of the mysteries of wealth, murder and historical happenings.
The castle was erected between Brohl and Niederbreisig by the Palatinate Electors. It was destroyed as early as 1151 by King Konrad III and again in 1282 by Rudolf of Habsburg. Only the 64-foot-high tower and Romanesque chapel remain of the mediaeval construction. In 1832 Joseph Carl von Lassaulx added a new section. Partly Occupied - Museum - Restaurant - Open April thru October
Castle Schonburg
Oberwesel, a town whose praises were sung by many a poet of the romantic period, is dominated by Schonburg castle. This, with its many towers, is one of the most majestic on the Rhein. Particularly characteristic is the huge wall away from the river, the "Hohe Mantel". The Lords of Schonburg constituted one of the most famous Rhein families. Friedrich von Schonburg, the last male descendant of this line, who lived in the 18th century, bore the proud title of Marshal of France. He also played an important role in English history and died when crossing the River Boyne with William III. Today the part overlooking the Rhein has been converted into an International Kolping Youth Hostel.
Thrauthemburg Castle
This castle was built for the Baron Von Thrauthemburg in 1655 was transferred to the Morsbach Family in 1712. The two families were united by marriage in 1754 when the Duke Von Thrathemburg married Baroness Elizabeth von Morsbach. The family currently live in the castle and therefore it is not open to the public. The family has open their farm located in Weston, WV and their art gallery “The Beacham Fine Arts Gallery” located in Colorado Springs to the public.
Marksburg Castle
This castle, towering on a high crag above Braubach, is the only fully preserved mediaeval fortress on the rhein. It was owned successively by the Eppsteins, the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, and, from 1479, the Landgraves of Hesse, until it fell to the Prussians in 1866, along with Braubach. In 1899 Kaiser Wilhelm II presented the castle to the "Association for the Preservation of German Castles". This association has spared no effort or expense in looking after the building, and has repaired the heavy damage suffered under artillery fire during the last war. The tower, 130 ft. high, is a well-loved landmark for miles around. Inside, the castle offers its many visitors an authentic picture of mediaeval fortified and domestic architecture.
Castles of Germany
By Baron Frederick Von Thrauthemburg un Morsbach Morris
Into -
This book is an introduction to the castles and great estates of Germany and the United States, each has its own history, many are open to the public where others are owned privately by the families.
Many of the photos and notes are taken from my diaries and journals during extended tours throughout Germany and the USA. My thanks and gratitude to family and friends who contributed to this book, provided photos, and the families living in these estates and who’ve provided histories and information.
ErzbichofburgThe Archbishop's Castle in Eltville
The castle in eltville was built on the banks of the Rhein in 1330. Until its destruction in 1635 it was the seat of the Bishops of Mainz, In the "Grafensaal" (Hall of the Counts) of the castle, Gutenberg, the inventor of printing, received the only tribute paid to him during his life-time. He was summoned into the court services by Adolf II of Nassau, Archbishop of Mainz, and thereby achieved economic security for his old age. A printer's workshop, dating from the 15th century, set up in one of the rooms, testifies to his work. The Castle is open to the public April-October.
Castle Klopp
Klopp Castle was erected upon the foundations of a Roman fortress and in the Middle Ages was the seat of the bailiff of the Archbishop of Mainz. It was here that Emperor Henry IV was taken prisoner by his illegitimate son and subsequently forced to renounce the crown. The Castle is open to the public daily.
Castle Bingerbruck
Situated at the head of the Binger Loch, Ehrenfels was a vital stratig point in the Middle Ages. It was here that the Archbishops of Mainz levied tolls, which, since this was the narrowest and most dangerous part of the journey along the Rhein, no ship could avoid paying. In times of war the treasures of Mainz Cathedral were held here for safe keeping. The castle was built in the first half of the 13th century, but destroyed in 1689, the ruins make a most picturesque sight.
Burg Rheinstein – Trechtingshausen
Particularly characteristic of the Rheinland castles is the position on a cliff, 260 ft. above the river. First mentioned in 1279, the castle became the property of the influential archbishop of Trier, Kuno von Falkenstein, in the 14th century. At the beginning of the 19th century Prince Friedrich of Prussia acquired the ruins and had them rebuilt in psudo-Gothic style. Rheinstein contains a collection of armor and art treasures of the 16th & 17th century, which is well worth seeing.
Godesburg Castle
As early as Roman times there was a shrine on this basalt hill towering up out of the plain. Previous to that the Germanic peoples had a place of sacrifice there (Wotansberg). The mediaeval castle, built around 1210, was a favorite residence of the Cologne Archbishops. In the so-called "Cologne War" it was overwhelmed by Archbishop Ernest von Bayern's troops and blown up. Rebuilt once again, it was finally destroyed in 1794. The views from this location are those found in many scrap books and a favorite tourist location.
Drachenfel Castle
On the wild, jagged Drachenfels towering up so mightily above the river, there once stood a proud castle, of which today only the high tower is still to be seen. The hill and the castle enjoy tremendous popularity and are visited yearly by countless numbers of people. The view from the 1050-ft.-high summit is considered one of the most famous on the Rhein. The former masters of the castle, the Counts of Drachenfels, had a winged, fire-spitting dragon in there coat of arms. This ties up with the saga of Siegfried, who is reputed to have slain the dragon, which lived in a cave on the hillside, and then bathed in the blood. Lord Byron and many other poets glorified the Drachenfels. In the last century the hilltop and the tower were jeopardized by the stone quarries, which had been continually extended, until the Government stepped in, taking over the peak and safeguarding the ruins from any further danger of subsidence. These ruins are open to the public all year round.
Schloss Stolzenfels
Some miles above Koblinz lies Stolzenfels half way up the hillside opposite the mouth of the River Lahn. Its ruins were reconstructed by the famous architect Schinkel, under commission to King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. Once the seat of the Trier Archbishops, it has now been restored in a pseudo-Gothic style and serves today as a museum. The Castle is open to visitors, this castle is one of a few that bring to mind ancient castles, knights and Kings. Many weddings are perfumed here providing a princely back drop for any photographer.
Burg Lahneck
This castle's praises were sung by the young Goethe in 1774, in his poem "Geistesgruss" ("Hoch auf dem alten Turme"). It is situated where the River Lahn joins the Rhein and was the northernmost fortress of the Mainz Electorate, built in 1240. Although it had fallen into complete ruin by 1688, it was restored in the original style in 1860.
Sooneck Castle
The initial construction dates back to the year 1000 and the time of bishop Willegis of Mainz. It had, however, fallen into ruins by 1689. Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia acquired it in 1834 and had it rebuilt in psudo-Gothic style, as with the castles of Rheinstein and Stolzenfels. It is impressively situated, perched high over the "Soonecker Grund". The Castle is open to the Public.
Burg Stahleck
One of the most famous of the Rhein castles, and once closely connected with the history of the townlet of Bacharach, Stahleck received its first mention in 1135. Emperor Frederick Barbarossa handed over the castle, originally in the possesion of the Cologne Archbishops, to his brother Konrad, whose daughter, Agnes, much against her father's will, secretly married her childhood love, Henry of Welfen, son of Henry the Lion. Thus an end was brought about to the bitter feud between Guelf and Ghibelline. Today Stahleck serves as a Youth Hostel.
Heimburg Castle in Niederheimbach
The 13th century castle, with its 82-ft.-high tower used to be in the possesion of the Mainz Electorate. It fell into decay in the 17th century, but was later converted, in the 19th century, into a summer residence by Hugo Stinnes. It is currently owned by the Stinnes family. The Castle is open to the public.
Reichenstein Castle near Trechtingshausen
Above St Clement's Chapel, on the banks of the river, rises Reichenstein, one of the oldest castles on the Rhein. In the 13th century it was greatly feared as the hide-out of robber knights. It has twice been destroyed, once by the League of Rhenish Cities, and then again by the great opponent of the robbers, Emperor Rudolf von Hapsburg. Reichenstein Castle was rebuilt around 1900 and now houses a significant private collection of antlers and weapons.
Castle Gutenfels
The Pfaltz is one of the most curious fortified construction in the world. Built at the begining of the 14th century by Lewis the Babvrian for purpose of levying tolls on the Rhein, this island fortress was only once conquered in the autumn of 1504, Landgrave William of Hesse tricked and overcame the Spanish occupying forces with the help of a young girl, "little Elsa of Caub". Disguised as a lansquenet, she polited the attacking troops through the straits of the river. The Castle is all year round.
Castle Gutenfels
The castle and Caub, the town lying at its feet, became part of the Palatinate in 1277. It dates back to the first half of the 13th century and is in a splendid state of preservstion. With its stately three-storeyed palace and majestic 95-ft.-high belfrey, it presents a magnificent example of a Rheinland castle. Today it is used for the training of apprentices by an industrial concern, the management of which put the premises at the disposal of the Youth of Europe for courses and congresses. The Castle is not open to the public.
Rheineck Castle
The History of this Castle is long and serves as one of the mysteries of wealth, murder and historical happenings.
The castle was erected between Brohl and Niederbreisig by the Palatinate Electors. It was destroyed as early as 1151 by King Konrad III and again in 1282 by Rudolf of Habsburg. Only the 64-foot-high tower and Romanesque chapel remain of the mediaeval construction. In 1832 Joseph Carl von Lassaulx added a new section. Partly Occupied - Museum - Restaurant - Open April thru October
Castle Schonburg
Oberwesel, a town whose praises were sung by many a poet of the romantic period, is dominated by Schonburg castle. This, with its many towers, is one of the most majestic on the Rhein. Particularly characteristic is the huge wall away from the river, the "Hohe Mantel". The Lords of Schonburg constituted one of the most famous Rhein families. Friedrich von Schonburg, the last male descendant of this line, who lived in the 18th century, bore the proud title of Marshal of France. He also played an important role in English history and died when crossing the River Boyne with William III. Today the part overlooking the Rhein has been converted into an International Kolping Youth Hostel.
Thrauthemburg Castle
This castle was built for the Baron Von Thrauthemburg in 1655 was transferred to the Morsbach Family in 1712. The two families were united by marriage in 1754 when the Duke Von Thrathemburg married Baroness Elizabeth von Morsbach. The family currently live in the castle and therefore it is not open to the public. The family has open their farm located in Weston, WV and their art gallery “The Beacham Fine Arts Gallery” located in Colorado Springs to the public.
Marksburg Castle
This castle, towering on a high crag above Braubach, is the only fully preserved mediaeval fortress on the rhein. It was owned successively by the Eppsteins, the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, and, from 1479, the Landgraves of Hesse, until it fell to the Prussians in 1866, along with Braubach. In 1899 Kaiser Wilhelm II presented the castle to the "Association for the Preservation of German Castles". This association has spared no effort or expense in looking after the building, and has repaired the heavy damage suffered under artillery fire during the last war. The tower, 130 ft. high, is a well-loved landmark for miles around. Inside, the castle offers its many visitors an authentic picture of mediaeval fortified and domestic architecture.
Thrauthemburg, Germany
From my notes -Touring Germany
------------------------------------------
Touring Germany would not be complete without a stop in the historic city of Aschaffenburg. Aschaffenburg is a city in North West Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the right bank of the Main River. The City Gardens are wonderful, clean and peaceful. Americans added to the gardens over the years in the form of American squirrels and chipmunks that roam freely throughout the park. The gardens are well kept and serve as a gathering place for residents and tourists. Although it is within Bavaria, the city's inhabitants claim to be Franconia’s, not Bavarians.
Aschaffenburg, was originally a Roman settlement. Roman legions erected a small fort here during their occupation, it is now park of the city park, centered in a moat. Saint Boniface erected a chapel to Saint Martin, and founded a Benedictine monastery. A stone bridge over the Main was built by Archbishop Willigis in 989. Duke Adalbert increased the importance of the town in 1122 by building several structures and increased trade in the city. In 1292 a synod was held in Aschaffenburg, and in 1474 an imperial diet, was decided which is sometimes called the Aschaffenburg Concordat. In 1842-1849, King Ludwig I of Bavaria built himself a country house, called the Pompejanum, so called because of its likeness and imitation of the house of Castor and Pollux at Pompeii.
The principality of Aschaffenburg and Thrauthemburg, deriving its name from the city, comprehended an area of 1694 km². It formed part of the electorate of the Archbishop of Mainz who was also the Duke of Morsbach, and in 1803 was made over to the chancellor, Archbishop Charles of Dalberg. In 1806 it was annexed to the grand duchy of Frankfurt; and in 1814 was transferred to Bavaria, in virtue of a treaty concluded between that the factions and Austria. The two families, Thrauthemburg and Morsbach retain title as Duke and Baron von Thrauthemburg un Morsbach, a small landed area in Bavaria and another near Aschaffenburg.
Aschaffenburg’s most interesting building, the Schloss Johannisburg, was built around existing foundations and buildings between 1605-1614 by Archbishop Schweikard von Kronberg, it contains a library with a number of incunabula, a collection of engravings and paintings; the Stiftskirche, or cathedral, founded in 974 by Otto of Swabia, duke of Bavaria. Several structures within the complex date from the early 12th century and there are various monuments by the Vischers, a sarcophagus with the relics of Saint Margaret, and a famous painting by Matthias Grünewald; the Capuchin hospital; a theatre, which was formerly a house of the Teutonic Order; and several mansions of the nobility. The Schloss (palace) as has a nice restaurant and provides a host of local wines, a great stop before touring the rest of the gardens and the city proper.
Aschaffenburg was once a mighty US Military based community, within the city there once was the famous US Army 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and various VII Corps elements including the 9th Engineer Brigade, located in once were the Ready Kaserne, Smith Kaserne, Graves Kaserne, Fiori Kaserne, Engineer Kaserne and Jaeger Kasern, housing armor, infantry, engineer, maintenance and artillery elements. The last of the bases and facilities will be returned to the city at the end of 2007, sadly ending a twin city link to many in the United States.
The city proper was rebuilt after WWII, many of the old building fronts remain, giving the city a warm but historic feeling. Tourist are welcome, the long history between the USA and the city provides an open air, and friendly feeling. Most shop keeps speak English, many American still live and work in the city, choosing to remain or retire in Aschaffenburg. Many older buildings have been restored, shops are filled with antiques, stamp collectors still meet yearly in one of several “Brief Mark” (stamp) shops, and artist have established galleries throughout the shopping area. Several well known American artist maintain residence in Aschaffenburg, why’ll a number of others have established a collective and exhibit art in the city.
Aschaffenburg hosts several 5 star restaurants, an afternoon tea (German style) and city cafés that rival France’s best in every way possible. The city is exceptionally clean, vendors take great care and pride in their shops and public areas. Shoppers are polite, and fill the street on market day. If you’re in the market for “real” antiques, Victorian prints and wonderful carpets, Aschaffenburg is the place for you. The city gallery, what Americans would consider a mall, is filled with every modern fixture available, stylish clothing, great shoes, more shops, and wonderful places to eat that are very cost effective for the tourist on a budget. Here, the train station still operates as it did for more then 100 years, news stands carry English papers and magazines though not as many as they once did, and fast food is a mix as anywhere else in the world. Hotels are excellent, well cared for, clean, and hospitable. The typical morning breakfast is a boiled egg, toast and coffee, it can be your start of the day for wonderful shopping and great touring.
------------------------------------------
Touring Germany would not be complete without a stop in the historic city of Aschaffenburg. Aschaffenburg is a city in North West Bavaria, Germany. It is located on the right bank of the Main River. The City Gardens are wonderful, clean and peaceful. Americans added to the gardens over the years in the form of American squirrels and chipmunks that roam freely throughout the park. The gardens are well kept and serve as a gathering place for residents and tourists. Although it is within Bavaria, the city's inhabitants claim to be Franconia’s, not Bavarians.
Aschaffenburg, was originally a Roman settlement. Roman legions erected a small fort here during their occupation, it is now park of the city park, centered in a moat. Saint Boniface erected a chapel to Saint Martin, and founded a Benedictine monastery. A stone bridge over the Main was built by Archbishop Willigis in 989. Duke Adalbert increased the importance of the town in 1122 by building several structures and increased trade in the city. In 1292 a synod was held in Aschaffenburg, and in 1474 an imperial diet, was decided which is sometimes called the Aschaffenburg Concordat. In 1842-1849, King Ludwig I of Bavaria built himself a country house, called the Pompejanum, so called because of its likeness and imitation of the house of Castor and Pollux at Pompeii.
The principality of Aschaffenburg and Thrauthemburg, deriving its name from the city, comprehended an area of 1694 km². It formed part of the electorate of the Archbishop of Mainz who was also the Duke of Morsbach, and in 1803 was made over to the chancellor, Archbishop Charles of Dalberg. In 1806 it was annexed to the grand duchy of Frankfurt; and in 1814 was transferred to Bavaria, in virtue of a treaty concluded between that the factions and Austria. The two families, Thrauthemburg and Morsbach retain title as Duke and Baron von Thrauthemburg un Morsbach, a small landed area in Bavaria and another near Aschaffenburg.
Aschaffenburg’s most interesting building, the Schloss Johannisburg, was built around existing foundations and buildings between 1605-1614 by Archbishop Schweikard von Kronberg, it contains a library with a number of incunabula, a collection of engravings and paintings; the Stiftskirche, or cathedral, founded in 974 by Otto of Swabia, duke of Bavaria. Several structures within the complex date from the early 12th century and there are various monuments by the Vischers, a sarcophagus with the relics of Saint Margaret, and a famous painting by Matthias Grünewald; the Capuchin hospital; a theatre, which was formerly a house of the Teutonic Order; and several mansions of the nobility. The Schloss (palace) as has a nice restaurant and provides a host of local wines, a great stop before touring the rest of the gardens and the city proper.
Aschaffenburg was once a mighty US Military based community, within the city there once was the famous US Army 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division and various VII Corps elements including the 9th Engineer Brigade, located in once were the Ready Kaserne, Smith Kaserne, Graves Kaserne, Fiori Kaserne, Engineer Kaserne and Jaeger Kasern, housing armor, infantry, engineer, maintenance and artillery elements. The last of the bases and facilities will be returned to the city at the end of 2007, sadly ending a twin city link to many in the United States.
The city proper was rebuilt after WWII, many of the old building fronts remain, giving the city a warm but historic feeling. Tourist are welcome, the long history between the USA and the city provides an open air, and friendly feeling. Most shop keeps speak English, many American still live and work in the city, choosing to remain or retire in Aschaffenburg. Many older buildings have been restored, shops are filled with antiques, stamp collectors still meet yearly in one of several “Brief Mark” (stamp) shops, and artist have established galleries throughout the shopping area. Several well known American artist maintain residence in Aschaffenburg, why’ll a number of others have established a collective and exhibit art in the city.
Aschaffenburg hosts several 5 star restaurants, an afternoon tea (German style) and city cafés that rival France’s best in every way possible. The city is exceptionally clean, vendors take great care and pride in their shops and public areas. Shoppers are polite, and fill the street on market day. If you’re in the market for “real” antiques, Victorian prints and wonderful carpets, Aschaffenburg is the place for you. The city gallery, what Americans would consider a mall, is filled with every modern fixture available, stylish clothing, great shoes, more shops, and wonderful places to eat that are very cost effective for the tourist on a budget. Here, the train station still operates as it did for more then 100 years, news stands carry English papers and magazines though not as many as they once did, and fast food is a mix as anywhere else in the world. Hotels are excellent, well cared for, clean, and hospitable. The typical morning breakfast is a boiled egg, toast and coffee, it can be your start of the day for wonderful shopping and great touring.
Manuscript Notes - Life of a Princess
Below are some of my notes (279 pages) of notes for my new book.
The Life of a Princess
Of
China
By Frederick Von Thrauthemburg Morris
The folowing is the story of Princess Der Ling of China,
Princess Der Ling (Chinese: 德龄, pinyin: Dé Líng)m, (1885-1944), was a Manchu noblewoman, daughter of Lord Yu Keng (裕庚). Lord Yu Keng was a member of the Chinese Plain White Banner Corps (正白旗). After serving as Chinese minister to Japan he was appointed minister to the French Third Republic for four years in 1899. He was known for his progressive, reformist views, as well as for his unvarying support of the Empress Dowager Cixi. In 1905, Lord Yu Keng died in Shanghai.
Yu Keng's daughters were Der Ling and Rong Ling (the future Madame Dan Paochao of Beijing), therefore they were afforded a western education, having studied dance in Paris with Isadora Duncan. Upon return from France, Der Ling became the First lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as a translator. She stayed at court until March 1905. In 1907, Der Ling married Thaddeus C. White, an American.
The title Princess, was not one Der Ling was born to, but one she adopted. The use of this title create controversy for her in both China and the United States. Through the urging of friends Der Ling wrote down her unique experience in court in her memoirs Two Years in the Forbidden City, which were published in 1911, and wrote about the experience through her next seven books. It is these text that I use here to retell her story. All credit for this book and everything in it, must be accredited to the Princess as she was able to put to paper historical insights into life at court that only someone with first hand knowledge would be able to support with facts and candor. Der Ling's service to the Dowager Empress, essentially a world that has disappeared, now gives us a picture of life as it was at the time, an insiders point of view even if she takes great pain to support and put a positive spin on the reign of a notorious ruler .
Here then, in her own words, is the story of Princess Der Ling. “MY father and mother, Lord and Lady Yu Keng, and family, together with our suite consisting of the First Secretary, SecondSecretary, Naval and Military Attaches, Chancellors, theirfamilies, servants, etc., altogether fifty-five people, arrivedin Shanghai on January 2, 1903, on the S.S. "Annam" from Paris,where for four years my father had been Chinese Minister. Ourarrival was anything but pleasant, as the rain came down intorrents, and we had the greatest difficulty getting our numerousretinue landed and safely housed, not to mention the tons ofbaggage that had to be looked after. We had found from previous
experience that none of our Legation people or servants could be depended upon to do anything when traveling, in consequence of which the entire charge devolved upon my mother, who was without doubt the genius of the party in arranging matters and straightening out difficulties. When the launch from the steamer arrived at the jetty off the French Bund, we were met by the Shanghai Taotai (the highest official in the city), the Shanghai Magistrate and numerous other officials, all dressed in their official robes. The Taotai told my father that he had prepared the Tien Ho Gung (Temple of the Queen of Heaven) for us to reside in during our stay in Shanghai, but my father refused the offer, saying that he had telegraphed from Hong Kong and made all arrangements to go to the Hotel des Colonies in the French Concession. We had had previous experience staying in this temple while on our way to Japan, where my father went as Minister in 1895, and did not care to try it a second time. The building is very old and very much out of repair. It was a beautiful place in its prime, but had been allowed to go to rack and ruin. The custom is that the magistrate has to find a placeand supply the food, etc., for high officials when passingthrough, and it is not exactly the thing to refuse their kindoffer, but my father was always very independent and politelydeclined all proffers of assistance. At last we did safely arrive in the Hotel des Colonies, where myfather found awaiting him two telegrams from the Imperial Palace.These telegrams ordered my father to go to Peking at once, but, asthe river to Tientsin was frozen, it was out of the question forus to go by that route, and as my father was very old and quiteill at that time, in fact constantly under the doctor's care, theonly accessible way, via Chinwangtao, was equally out of thequestion, as it was a long and most tedious journey and quitebeyond his strength. In view of all these difficulties, hetelegraphed that, after the ice had broken up in the Peiho River,we would come by the first steamer leaving Shanghai for Tientsin.
We left Shanghai on the 22d of February and arrived at Tientsin onthe 26th, and, as before, were met by the Customs Taotai of the port and numerous other officials (the same as when we arrived at Shanghai). There is a very curious custom of reverence, which must be performed by all high officials on their return from abroad. Immediately upon landing on the shores of China, arrangements aremade with the nearest Viceroy or Governor to receive their obeisance to Ching Sheng An (to worship the Emperor of Peace), a Taotai being considered of too low a rank for such an honor. As soon as we arrived, Yuan Shih Kai, who was then Viceroy of Chihli Province at Tientsin, sent an official to my father to prepare the time and place for this function, which is an extremely pretty one. When arrangements had been made, both my father and Yuan Shih Kai dressed in their full ceremonial robes, which is the dragon long robe, with a reddish black three-quarter length coat over it, chao chu (amber beads), hat with peacock feather and red coral button, and repaired at once to the Wan Shou Kung (10,000 years palace), which is especially built for functions of this kind, where they were met by a large number of officials of the lower grades. At the back centre of this Temple, or Palace, stands a very long narrow table on which are placed the tablets of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, on which is written, "Wan sway, wan sway, wan wan sway" (10,000 years times 10,000 years times 10,000 years). The Viceroy, or in this case Yuan Shih Kai, and the other officials arrived first. Yuan stood at the left side of this table and the others arranged themselves in two diminishing lines starting from the front corners of the table. Soon afterward my father came and knelt directly in front of the centre of the tableand said, "Ah ha Ching Sheng An" (Your servant gives yougreeting). After this ceremony was over my father immediatelyarose and inquired after Their Majesties' health, and Yuan repliedthat they were quite well. This closed the function. We stayed in Tientsin for three days, arriving in Peking on thetwenty-ninth. My father's condition was much worse and he begged for four months' leave of absence, in which to recuperate, which was granted by Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager. As our beautiful mansion, which we had built and furnished just before leaving for Paris, was burned during the Boxer Rising of 1900, entailing a loss of over taels 100,000, we rented and moved into a Chinese house. Our old house was not entirely new. When we bought the place there was a very fine but old Chinese house, the palace of a Duke, standing on the ground, and by some clever re-arrangement and building on, it was transformed into a beautiful foreign style house with all the fine hardwood carving of the old house worked into it. By using the words "foreign style," it is meant that, in so far as the Chinese house could be made to look like a foreign house, without tearing it down entirely, it was changed, that is the doors and windows, passageways, furnishings, etc., were foreign, but the arrangement of the house itself and courtyard was Chinese. This, like all Chinese houses in Peking, was built in a very rambling fashion, and with the gardens, covered about ten acres of ground. We had just finished furnishing it and moved in only four days when we left for Paris; and it has always been a great sorrow to my family that we should lose this magnificent place, after having spent so much time and money in building and beautifying it. However, this is only one of the many trials that a high official in China is called upon to bear.
The Life of a Princess
Of
China
By Frederick Von Thrauthemburg Morris
The folowing is the story of Princess Der Ling of China,
Princess Der Ling (Chinese: 德龄, pinyin: Dé Líng)m, (1885-1944), was a Manchu noblewoman, daughter of Lord Yu Keng (裕庚). Lord Yu Keng was a member of the Chinese Plain White Banner Corps (正白旗). After serving as Chinese minister to Japan he was appointed minister to the French Third Republic for four years in 1899. He was known for his progressive, reformist views, as well as for his unvarying support of the Empress Dowager Cixi. In 1905, Lord Yu Keng died in Shanghai.
Yu Keng's daughters were Der Ling and Rong Ling (the future Madame Dan Paochao of Beijing), therefore they were afforded a western education, having studied dance in Paris with Isadora Duncan. Upon return from France, Der Ling became the First lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi, as well as a translator. She stayed at court until March 1905. In 1907, Der Ling married Thaddeus C. White, an American.
The title Princess, was not one Der Ling was born to, but one she adopted. The use of this title create controversy for her in both China and the United States. Through the urging of friends Der Ling wrote down her unique experience in court in her memoirs Two Years in the Forbidden City, which were published in 1911, and wrote about the experience through her next seven books. It is these text that I use here to retell her story. All credit for this book and everything in it, must be accredited to the Princess as she was able to put to paper historical insights into life at court that only someone with first hand knowledge would be able to support with facts and candor. Der Ling's service to the Dowager Empress, essentially a world that has disappeared, now gives us a picture of life as it was at the time, an insiders point of view even if she takes great pain to support and put a positive spin on the reign of a notorious ruler .
Here then, in her own words, is the story of Princess Der Ling. “MY father and mother, Lord and Lady Yu Keng, and family, together with our suite consisting of the First Secretary, SecondSecretary, Naval and Military Attaches, Chancellors, theirfamilies, servants, etc., altogether fifty-five people, arrivedin Shanghai on January 2, 1903, on the S.S. "Annam" from Paris,where for four years my father had been Chinese Minister. Ourarrival was anything but pleasant, as the rain came down intorrents, and we had the greatest difficulty getting our numerousretinue landed and safely housed, not to mention the tons ofbaggage that had to be looked after. We had found from previous
experience that none of our Legation people or servants could be depended upon to do anything when traveling, in consequence of which the entire charge devolved upon my mother, who was without doubt the genius of the party in arranging matters and straightening out difficulties. When the launch from the steamer arrived at the jetty off the French Bund, we were met by the Shanghai Taotai (the highest official in the city), the Shanghai Magistrate and numerous other officials, all dressed in their official robes. The Taotai told my father that he had prepared the Tien Ho Gung (Temple of the Queen of Heaven) for us to reside in during our stay in Shanghai, but my father refused the offer, saying that he had telegraphed from Hong Kong and made all arrangements to go to the Hotel des Colonies in the French Concession. We had had previous experience staying in this temple while on our way to Japan, where my father went as Minister in 1895, and did not care to try it a second time. The building is very old and very much out of repair. It was a beautiful place in its prime, but had been allowed to go to rack and ruin. The custom is that the magistrate has to find a placeand supply the food, etc., for high officials when passingthrough, and it is not exactly the thing to refuse their kindoffer, but my father was always very independent and politelydeclined all proffers of assistance. At last we did safely arrive in the Hotel des Colonies, where myfather found awaiting him two telegrams from the Imperial Palace.These telegrams ordered my father to go to Peking at once, but, asthe river to Tientsin was frozen, it was out of the question forus to go by that route, and as my father was very old and quiteill at that time, in fact constantly under the doctor's care, theonly accessible way, via Chinwangtao, was equally out of thequestion, as it was a long and most tedious journey and quitebeyond his strength. In view of all these difficulties, hetelegraphed that, after the ice had broken up in the Peiho River,we would come by the first steamer leaving Shanghai for Tientsin.
We left Shanghai on the 22d of February and arrived at Tientsin onthe 26th, and, as before, were met by the Customs Taotai of the port and numerous other officials (the same as when we arrived at Shanghai). There is a very curious custom of reverence, which must be performed by all high officials on their return from abroad. Immediately upon landing on the shores of China, arrangements aremade with the nearest Viceroy or Governor to receive their obeisance to Ching Sheng An (to worship the Emperor of Peace), a Taotai being considered of too low a rank for such an honor. As soon as we arrived, Yuan Shih Kai, who was then Viceroy of Chihli Province at Tientsin, sent an official to my father to prepare the time and place for this function, which is an extremely pretty one. When arrangements had been made, both my father and Yuan Shih Kai dressed in their full ceremonial robes, which is the dragon long robe, with a reddish black three-quarter length coat over it, chao chu (amber beads), hat with peacock feather and red coral button, and repaired at once to the Wan Shou Kung (10,000 years palace), which is especially built for functions of this kind, where they were met by a large number of officials of the lower grades. At the back centre of this Temple, or Palace, stands a very long narrow table on which are placed the tablets of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, on which is written, "Wan sway, wan sway, wan wan sway" (10,000 years times 10,000 years times 10,000 years). The Viceroy, or in this case Yuan Shih Kai, and the other officials arrived first. Yuan stood at the left side of this table and the others arranged themselves in two diminishing lines starting from the front corners of the table. Soon afterward my father came and knelt directly in front of the centre of the tableand said, "Ah ha Ching Sheng An" (Your servant gives yougreeting). After this ceremony was over my father immediatelyarose and inquired after Their Majesties' health, and Yuan repliedthat they were quite well. This closed the function. We stayed in Tientsin for three days, arriving in Peking on thetwenty-ninth. My father's condition was much worse and he begged for four months' leave of absence, in which to recuperate, which was granted by Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager. As our beautiful mansion, which we had built and furnished just before leaving for Paris, was burned during the Boxer Rising of 1900, entailing a loss of over taels 100,000, we rented and moved into a Chinese house. Our old house was not entirely new. When we bought the place there was a very fine but old Chinese house, the palace of a Duke, standing on the ground, and by some clever re-arrangement and building on, it was transformed into a beautiful foreign style house with all the fine hardwood carving of the old house worked into it. By using the words "foreign style," it is meant that, in so far as the Chinese house could be made to look like a foreign house, without tearing it down entirely, it was changed, that is the doors and windows, passageways, furnishings, etc., were foreign, but the arrangement of the house itself and courtyard was Chinese. This, like all Chinese houses in Peking, was built in a very rambling fashion, and with the gardens, covered about ten acres of ground. We had just finished furnishing it and moved in only four days when we left for Paris; and it has always been a great sorrow to my family that we should lose this magnificent place, after having spent so much time and money in building and beautifying it. However, this is only one of the many trials that a high official in China is called upon to bear.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Poem - What Am I
What Am I
Little balls of fluff and puffa tail and little whiskersI wonder who I wonder whereI'll find my miss or misters.I sleep all day and play all nighton Halloween I can be a frightI jump, I spin and climb the willowbut find time to slumber on your pillow.I'm shy, I'm coy, have loads of funbut will stop to eat, even on the run.I hide, I seek, am sort of meekbut bound and determined when I speak.Spots and stripes, and all sorts of colorsthere can be many of us, all from the samemother. No more guessing, no more clues,what am I, if I were in your shoes?
Frederick Lyle Morris
Little balls of fluff and puffa tail and little whiskersI wonder who I wonder whereI'll find my miss or misters.I sleep all day and play all nighton Halloween I can be a frightI jump, I spin and climb the willowbut find time to slumber on your pillow.I'm shy, I'm coy, have loads of funbut will stop to eat, even on the run.I hide, I seek, am sort of meekbut bound and determined when I speak.Spots and stripes, and all sorts of colorsthere can be many of us, all from the samemother. No more guessing, no more clues,what am I, if I were in your shoes?
Frederick Lyle Morris
American Artists in Europe
The American Artist struggle is one known well by an American/German Artist known as "Lyle". He was born in 1957 with the name Baron Frederick Lyle Bartholomew der Graf von Thrauthemburg und Morsbach und der Graf Von Morris. Baron Von Morsbach und Morris studied at Park College in Parkville, Missouri and Northern Virginia State University in Arlington, VA. Baron von Morsbach un Morris, Frederick Morris is a featured artist in New Art International, published June 1998 by Book Art Press, and he's listed in American Artist's Who's Who in 1998. Frederick Von Thrauthemburg, graf von Morsbach un Morris has donated a variety of paintings to the American Easter Seal Foundation in Colorado, charities supported by: Inside Out, p, SCAP of Colorado, The American Red Cross, FCC Church, MCC Church and other organizations. Recent sales have been conducted by boundless gallery on the Internet.
Manuscripts
I currently have a variety of manuscripts that need an agent, some of these titles include,
A Tour Guide of Old Germany
Nudes
A Photo Journal of Male Nudes for Artists
A Photo Journal of Colorado
Queen Victoria
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
I've Always Known
Please feel free to contact me by email or phone at 719-390-6685
I am also listed at Boundlessgallery.com
The Beacham Gallery
Askart.com
LULU.com
A Tour Guide of Old Germany
Nudes
A Photo Journal of Male Nudes for Artists
A Photo Journal of Colorado
Queen Victoria
The Duke and Duchess of Windsor
I've Always Known
Please feel free to contact me by email or phone at 719-390-6685
I am also listed at Boundlessgallery.com
The Beacham Gallery
Askart.com
LULU.com
Manuscripts
Currently I have 9 manuscripts listed on LULU.COM needed to put them somewhere and it was fun creating a book from start to finish, was also able to create art books of my paintings to send to galleries in Europe which have helps sales go through the roof.
Seeking an Agent
My current manuscript is titled " I've always known" has met with
favorable reviews such as the one by Jean Wahlbor (Dorrance Publishing)
and edited by Jon Woodhams (Random House). Below I've included one
review:
"I've Always Known, written by Frederick Von Thrauthemburg, chronicles the author's
horrific experiences at the hands of his sadistic and disturbed father.
Born to a career Naval Office and a weak socialite mother, the author
was subjected to a litany of brutal physical beatings and torrents of
verbal abuse from a very young age. Under the guise of making his son a man, the author's father routinely violently punched, slapped, and
whipped his badly overmatched son while apparently taking great pleasure in the process. While many under such dire circumstances would crumble under the unrelenting enormous stress and pressure, the author eventually found true and rewarding love. Composed in a conversational narrative and compelling dialogue, the text flows at a brisk tempo that should maintain the reader's interest throughout. Although highly graphic at times, the work effectively conveys the atrocious treatment the author endured in a non-gratuitous manner. Heart wrenching and inspiring, the work could resonate strongly among those who can relate to the author's tragic childhood."
This manuscript and 9 others can be forwarded to you via email in word
format, I hope my manuscript is one your firm might represent and look
forward to your positive reply.
Sincerely,
Frederick Morris
2002 Monteagle St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Frederick.morris1@aol.com
favorable reviews such as the one by Jean Wahlbor (Dorrance Publishing)
and edited by Jon Woodhams (Random House). Below I've included one
review:
"I've Always Known, written by Frederick Von Thrauthemburg, chronicles the author's
horrific experiences at the hands of his sadistic and disturbed father.
Born to a career Naval Office and a weak socialite mother, the author
was subjected to a litany of brutal physical beatings and torrents of
verbal abuse from a very young age. Under the guise of making his son a man, the author's father routinely violently punched, slapped, and
whipped his badly overmatched son while apparently taking great pleasure in the process. While many under such dire circumstances would crumble under the unrelenting enormous stress and pressure, the author eventually found true and rewarding love. Composed in a conversational narrative and compelling dialogue, the text flows at a brisk tempo that should maintain the reader's interest throughout. Although highly graphic at times, the work effectively conveys the atrocious treatment the author endured in a non-gratuitous manner. Heart wrenching and inspiring, the work could resonate strongly among those who can relate to the author's tragic childhood."
This manuscript and 9 others can be forwarded to you via email in word
format, I hope my manuscript is one your firm might represent and look
forward to your positive reply.
Sincerely,
Frederick Morris
2002 Monteagle St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
Frederick.morris1@aol.com
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