Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

ed the right, and in front of the first line. The whole line then presented arms, and the several bands struck up "God save the King." The drums beat, the colours were pointed to the ground, and the officers saluted. This juncture was an inestimable one. To view from the left the line presenting arms, the officers saluting, together with the position of the colours, and added to this, the effect of all the bands. when playing one tune, and that composition being one every sentiment of which our hearts vibrated with enthusiasm, was indeed grand, and beyond all description.

The Prince Regent then proceeded from the right towards the left of the line; and to announce that his royal highness had commenced his review of the first line, there was a third discharge of cannon. The music of each regiment commenced playing at his royal highness's approach; but neither did the officers salute as the prince passed, nor were the colours dropped.

After his Highness the Prince of Conde had continued for about half an hour in converse with the prince, the Duke of York joined his royal brother; and when the two royal brothers had joined each other, and appeared to be engaged in converse on the fine appearance of the troops, they were loudly huzzaed. Having passed in front of the first line, which was a completely straight one, and consisted of between 15 and 18,000 troops, his royal highness, together with the general officers, and those of his brothers who attended him, proceeded to pass in front of the second line. His royal highness, while passing in front of the several regiments, acknowledged, with the greatest urbanity, their attention and abilities, by taking off his hat to

each of them.

The fourth time of firing cannon announced that his royal highness had passed along both lines, when he re

turned to the front of the first line. So soon as the prince had arrived at about the centre of the line, the fifth time of firing cannon gave the signal for a feu-de-joie, to be continued from the first to the second line. After these feus-de-joie, there were three English cheers given from one end of the lines to the other; and the music played, "God save the King."

His royal highness still continued in front of the first line, and after the feu-de-joie, the several regiments forming the lines wheeled off in division, and passed in review before the prince. First came a party of artillery, then followed the regulars, consisting of several detachments of the Coldstream Guards. After which the several volunteer corps, then the London Militia and the Tower Hamlets, and the regular and volunteer cavalry closed the review.

The admirable manner in which the several regiments passed in review before the prince, deserves our warmest approbation. The firm step and regular march of the guards were particularly conspicuous, and struck every one with admiration. They were seen to move, its true, but they marched in so firm a line, that they had more the appearance of a moving wall than of a marching body of men. volunteers, too, marched excellently well.

The

After the various corps had passed before his royal highness in review, they filed off to some retired part of the common, and there regaled on such fare as had been provided for them by the liberality of their officers; after which they proceeded to their several homes.

The prince seemed to be highly gratified with all he saw; and did not leave the ground till about half past five o'clock. The number of troops reviewed was estimated at about 24,000; but the quantity of people induced to

visit Wimbledon Common for the purpose of seeing the review far exceeded that number. To say that there were one hundred thousand people present, would be making a very moderate calculation.

[ocr errors]

The prince was dressed in a general's full uniform, and was distinguishable from those general officers who surrounded him by a blue sash across his right shoulder. Shortly before six, he left the ground, and proceeded to Lord Yarmouth's beautiful villa near Putney, accompanied by the Dukes of York, Kent, &c., where a sumptuous dinner was prepared for them. The Duchess of York and the young Princess Charlotte were of the party at Lord Yarmouth's. His lordship is lieutenant-colonel of the Duke of Cumberland's rifle corps, and for the accommodation of the corps, marquees were fixed in the lawn fronting his house, underneath which were very chearful and plenteous boards, spread for the several members.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH.--The King v.. George Manners. This defendant was brought up for judgment, for the libel in the Satirist, against Mr Hallett. He personally addressed the court in mitigation of punishment. If the libel were to be considered by itself, unconnected with the general nature of the publication in which it appeared, he should admit, that it would merit the severest punishment; but he disclaimed all personal motives; and had not Mr Hal lett become the patron of Miss Taylor, and the abettor of one of the foulest libellers that ever lived, no conduct of his should have been noticed by the defendant. He was certainly the editor of the Satirist, but numerous articles appeared in that publication without his knowledge. It had been proved, that of the first libel, only the head "Hallet's Humanity," was in the hand-writing of the defendant; and

the fact was, that the article was received by the publisher by the general post. Before he published it, the defendant used every exertion to ascertain its truth. The defendant then wished to refer to an authority, which, he observed, Mr H. ought to be the last man to question; but the court objected to his reading it, unless it really tended to mitigate the defendant's punishment. It was in vain for him to endeavour to shew there was no malice in the publications; defamation imported malice; and he admitted he published the libels advisedly and upon enquiry.

This being a private libel, the court sentenced him to three months' imprisonment in the Marshalsea, and to find security for three years afterwards, himself in 5001., and two sureties in 2501. each.

15th.-CARLTON-HOUSE GRAND BALL.-This palace of enchantment was opened last night to the numerous persons of distinction who had been honoured with cards of invitation. Soon after nine o'clock the company began to arrive, and although the utmost order and regularity were observed, it was between twelve and one o'clock before the whole assemblage was formed. The illustrious family of the House of Bourbon entered through the gardens about ten, when they were ushered into the privy council chamber, where the Prince Regent was sitting under a crimson canopy of state, surrounded by the officers of his household, who, on their approach, immediately rose to receive them. The French Sovereign was introduced by the Earl of Moira as Comte de Lisle, her Royal Highness the Duchess d'Angouleme, by the Duchess of York, and the French Princes, by Lord Dundas. They were received not only with the utmost respect, but with every mark of affectionate regard. The amiable daughter of Lewis XVI. naturally at

tracted his chief attention, the exhilarating effect of which was clearly discernible on her pensive but interesting

countenance.

From this grand ceremonial the illustrious strangers retired into the skyblue satin room that adjoined ; the expensive suit of curtains of which were of the same colour, lined with white silk, and massily embroidered gold fringe, leaves, and tassels, and beautifully decorated with fleurs-de-lis-a marked and delicate compliment to the illustrious visitors.

The Prince Regent now passed through into the grand saloon, which was most brilliantly illuminated, and is confessedly, in every respect, the finest room in Europe. Here his royal highness now paid his respects to the noblesse, &c. crowded and assembled, in his very graceful and fascinating manner. The company were for some time naturally lost in amazement at the coup d'œil, which the views through two distinct suites of apartments so magically presented.

It would be a difficult task to describe, in terms adequate, the effect produced by the profusion of magnificent objects, which, at every glance, conveyed an exalted idea of princely taste, national grandeur, and the fine arts, cherished in a state of perfection. The apartments were decorated with splendour perfectly new. The palace was a scene of enchantment, and every elegant female, clad in the attire of her native country, appeared the Armida.

The Conservatory was one of the most distinguished objects in the splendid arrangement. The building, of the Gothic order, appeared to be the most perfect and beautiful specimen of that style executed in modern times. It presented, at one glance, the fine effect of a lofty aisle in an ancient cathedral. Between the pillars, candelabras were suspended twelve feet above ground;

each presented four brilliant patent burners, which spread a breadth of light not easy to describe. The interior struck the beholder with astonishment. The grand table extended the whole length of the Conservatory, and across Carlton-house, to the length of two hundred feet. Two feet of space was allotted each guest in the original calculation. Along the centre of the table, about six inches above the surface, a canal of pure water continued flowing from a silver fountain, beautifully constructed at the head of the table. Its faintly-waving artificial banks were covered with green moss and aquatic flowers; gold and silvercoloured fish were, by a mechanical invention, made to swim and sport through the bubbling current, which produced a pleasing murmur where it fell, and formed a cascade at the outlet. At the head of the table, above the fountain, sat his Royal Highness the Prince Regent on a throne of crim son velvet, trimmed with gold. The throne commanded a view of the com pany. The most particular friends of the prince were arranged on each side. They were attended by sixty servi teurs; seven waited on the prince, besides six of the king's and six of the queen's footmen, in their state liveries, with one man in a complete suit of ancient armour. At the back of the throne appeared Aureola tables, covered with crimson drapery, constructed to exhibit, with the greatest effect, a profusion of the most exquisitelywrought silver-gilt plate, consisting of fountains, tripods, epergnes, dishes, and other ornaments. Above the whole of this superb display, appeared a royal crown and his Majesty's cy pher, "G. R." splendidly illumined. It is almost unnecessary to add, that his royal highness gave all the grandeur and honour of this brilliant fete

to his royal parent. The lesser waxlights in silver, placed on the table,

were correspondent with the whole mass of elegance. The sides of the Conservatory were hung with variegated lamps. The arches were also illuminated with lamps springing from the pillars. Down the centre from the roof were suspended several beautiful chandeliers and lustres; and the whole raised in the minds of the spectators the most exalted ideas of the prince's taste and liberality.

The supper was the most superb, in spectacle arrangement, that perhaps ever was exhibited in this country. The state-table of the Prince Regent was ranged along the Conservatory, the west end of which (being the head) was hung semi-circularly with a crimson silk ground, covered with transparent muslin, drawn into a variety of apertures, for the splendid display of numerous gold vases, urns, massy salvers, &c. &c., embossed by admirable workmanship, and the whole surmounted by a most superb ancient urn, captured in the reign of Elizabeth from the Spanish admiral, who commanded what was so presumptuously styled the "Invincible Armada." The whole from the design and directed under the superior taste of Messrs Rundell and Bridge: the service of this table was in gold.-Adjoining to this, were tables running through the library and whole lower suite of rooms, the candelabras in which were so arranged, that the regent could distinctly see, and be seen, from end to the other. Along those tables, the royal family of England, and that of the Bourbons, and the noblesse, were seated conformably to their respective ranks. On the right hand of the Prince Regent was placed the Duchess d'Angouleme on his left, the Duchess of York. From the library, and room beyond, branched out two great lines of tables under canvas far into the gardens, each in the shape of a cross, all richly served with silver plate, and covered with every delicacy that the

season could possibly afford. When the whole company was seated, there was a line of female beauty more richly adorned, and a blaze of jewellery more brilliant, than England probably ever displayed before.

The Prince Regent sustained the royal host throughout with all the dignified and unabating courtesy that so arduous a character requires. The Prince of Wales has long been regarded the most finished gentleman in Europe; and his graceful demeanour, enlivened by the heartiness of English hospitality, never appeared to greater advantage.

The Prince Regent wore a field. marshal's uniform, with his hair in a long queue, the cordon blue, and a superb brilliant star, a large diamond loop and button in his hat and feather, wearing a sabre, the handle and scabbard of which were most richly studded with jewellery. His looks and graceful deportment, throughout the night were in perfect unison with his princely costume.

The library and the council-room displayed the greatest state. The latter was appropriated to dancing, and the floors chalked in a beautiful style. In the centre appeared "G.R. III.” with the crown, supporters, and blazonry. The external decorations were equally grand and pleasing. The aisle opposite the grand conservatory was furnished with large mirrors, girandoles, and candelabras. It formed a superb promenade, rendered delightful by garlands and festoons of roses, pinks, carnations, and the finest flowers of every species. Orange-trees, fruits, and flowers, also bloomed along the banks, growing in a state of nature. Four handsome marquees were pitched on the lawn of Carlton-house, with a chevaux de frize to guide the company in their promenades. Bands of music were stationed in the tents; and when dancing commenced, the gay throng stepped over floors chalked with mosaic

devices, and moved through thickets of roses, geranium, and other fragrant sweets, illumined by variegated lights, that gleamed like stars through the foliage. In the course of the night a brilliant discharge of fire-works took place, which gratified an immense body of spectators. The company sat down to supper about one o'clock; and after they had taken some refreshments, they returned to the festive dance, which continued till the blush of morn' warned the gay throng to retire. A vast concourse of persons continued near the prince's residence until the fete, which was, perhaps, the grandest entertainment ever witnessed in this country, ended.

FASHIONABLE HOAX.-A lady of high quality called one morning lately on an eminent vender of modes at the west end of the town. The female merchant received her noble customer under such evident agitation of spirits, that the latter demanded the occasion of her concern; when the other, with well counterfeited grief and alarm, told her story; that she had received an assortment of prohibited goods, to the value of some thousand pounds; that an information had been lodged against, her at the Custom-house; that persons were in waiting to see that no parcels were sent out; and that the officers were coming to seize as soon as they could get the necessary warrants. She concluded, with imploring her noble customer to save her from utter ruin, by taking the dangerous package in her carriage to a place of safety, which she pointed out, and which her ladyship very graciously and condescendingly consented to do. Under the protection of a coronet, the goods went perfectly safe to the place of their destination; but they might have gone equally safe in a hackney coach, from any interruption they would have met with from the Custom-house; being in fact British manufactures, and the

story of the afflicted dress-maker a mere invention to give a reputation to her goods. It may be observed the invention took; and the whole of the goods were sold in the course of a very few days, on the faith of this story that they were foreign. The above fact may, perhaps, serve to wean some of the ladies of fashion from their over-fondness for foreign commodities.

19th.-EARL Berkeley.—On Friday, the question which has so long occupied the House of Lords, respecting the Berkeley peerage, was determined: their lordships agreed, nemine dissentiente, that the claimant had not made out his claim to the dignities of Earl Berkeley, Viscount Dursley, and Baron Berkeley. This decision will be considered in the house on Tuesday, and the question will then be finally determined. Upon the death of the Earl of Berkeley, which took place a year ago, it became a question, which of his lordship's sons was entitled to be called to the House of Peers, as successor to his dignities. The eldest son of the late earl and the present Countess of Berkeley, who was then member for the county of Glocester, and sat as Lord Viscount Dursley, claimed, as heir apparent, to succeed to the earl dom of Berkeley, and the other titles and dignities of the late earl. This claim was opposed, on the ground that the marriage between the late earl and the present countess did not take place for many years after the birth of the claimant, and that consequently he was not the eldest legitimate son of the late earl. On the other hand, it was contended, that, though the public marriage between the claimant's father and mother did not take place till 1796, consequently long after his birth, yet that a private marriage was solemnized between them in March, 1785, at Berkeley, which was antecedent to his birth, he being born in December, 1786, The decision of the Committee of Pri

« ZurückWeiter »