Diary of John Quincy Adams, volume 1
1780-07-31
This morning Pappa went to Mr. Jennings's lodgings but he was not at home. At about half
after eleven o clock Mr. Lee came here and stay'd till about half after twelve. At about
twelve Mr. Jennings came and at about one we went to take a walk. We went to the place
Royale. We saw the portico out of which the Counts Egmont and Horn came to be executed. It
is at present barr'd up and there are two pillars near it and it is a sanctuary for any
person who has committed a crime. There is a New Library building there. There is also the
statue of Prince Charles there but it is said to be very badly done. From thence we went
down to the grande Place, and we saw the Hotel de Ville, on the top
of which is St. Michael trampling the devil under his feet, most magnificently done,
on the other side of the Place is another large, building on which is this inscription in
Letters of gold A PESTE FAME, ET BELLO LIBERA, NOS MARIA PACIS. HIC VOTUM PACIS PUBLICAE
AELYSABET CONSECRAVIT.1 After this we went to
Mr. Lee's house where we found Mr. Bordly. We dined and drank tea there: after tea Mr.
Bordly, My Brother Charles, and myself, went to the Park. We walk'd there a little while and
went back to Mr. Lee's but he being gone out we took another turn to the Park. We walked all
round the ramparts and had a very pretty view of the town. We saw the statue of Philip 2d. He had a scepter in his hand and a very menacing look. We
after this came home and at about ten o clock Pappa got home.
“From pestilence, hunger, and war free us, Mary of Peace. This vow [or payment of a vow] for public peace Elizabeth consecrated.” This Elizabeth was possibly the wife of Philip II of Spain.