A great holiday high mass and a procession in the Duomo by the archbishop. The numerous attendants appeared small in comparison to the gigantic dimensions of the edifice. A fine day - the streets and churches filled with well dressed people. Went and spent an hour in the churches San Fidele and La Scala [opera house] - a good show of the sex.

At two o'clock carriages began to assemble on the Corso and the bastions and for many a day have not seen a gayer sight. The carriages on the bastions were in four lines and some of them very sumptuous equipages -the viceroys had six horses.

The gravel side walks occupied by promenaders, many of whom had descended from the carriages. The ladies of Milan are stout, and at this season are fresh looking, their eyes remarkably brilliant. The La Scala in the evening not over well attended in consequence of a soiree dansante [a formal ball] at the Governors -