John Quincy Adams Digital Diary

23. Went this morning with Mr: and Mrs: Errington, Mr: Artaud, and Mr: Oliver to see what is called the electoral treasure, consisting of a numerous collection of articles in silver, gold, and precious stones. The jewels of state which belonged to the electors ancestors when kings of Poland, and are now worn upon great occasions by the elector himself are the most valuable of these splendid baubles. Of diamonds, rubies, garnets, emeralds, sapphires, onyxes &c &c, there was no end.— A green diamond weighing 129. grams is said to be the only one of its kind in Europe. There are numerous sword-hilts, cane-pommels, epaulets, buckles, hat-loops, stars and crosses of the order of the golden fleece, buttons, lady’s necklaces, ear-rings, and breast knots, consisting entirely of brilliants, or rose diamonds. The value of this treasure is estimated at 15 millions of dollars.— Before going there I had called upon Mr: Oliver, and for an hour at the picture gallery— Dined with the Baron de Broekhausen, the Prussian Minister— He lives in the country; about a quarter of a mile out of town. Met there the young Count Finkenstein, a grand-son of the Minister, who is going to Vienna, as secretary to the Prussian legation there; and Count Dampmartin— Mr: and Mrs: Errington with us at tea, and in the Evening.