apartments fitted up to give the rest of the royal family an opportunity of paying and receiving compliments; and then we were at liberty to go in and out as we pleased : but we could not bear the thoughts of absenting ourselves while we had one leg to stand on: and the feast prepared for our eyes supplied every other want, or at least rendered us insensible of any. scension we did not expect; at which place he saluted | Augusta, and the duke of Cumberland, York, and the other us with great politeness; and advancing to the upper end princes, who followed the king's example, in complimentof the room, we performed the ceremony of kissing the ing each of us with a kiss, but not till their majesties had queen's hand, at the sight of whom we were all in rap-left the room; for, you must know, there were proper tures, not only from the brilliancy of her appearance, which was pleasing beyond description, but being throughout her whole person possessed of that inexpressible something that is beyond a set of features, and equally claims our attention. To be sure, she has not a fine face, but a most agreeable countenance, and is vastly genteel, with an air, notwithstanding her being a little woman, truly majestic; and I really think by her manner, is expressed that complacency of disposition which is perfectly amiable; and though I could never perceive that she deviated from that dignity which belongs to a crowned head, yet on the most trifling occasions she displayed all that easy behaviour that elegant negligence can bestow. I suppose that you will not think the picture complete, unless the important article of dress be in part communicated; therefore, agreeable to the rules of painting, I shall begin with the head. Her hair, which is of a light colour, hung in what is called coronation ringlets, encompassed with a circle of diamonds, so beautiful in themselves, and so prettily disposed, as will admit of no description: her clothes, which were as rich as gold, silver and silk, could make them, was a suit from which fell a train, supported by a little page in scarlet and silver. The lustre of her stomacher was inconceivable, being one of the presents she received whilst princess of Mecklenburgh, on which was represented, by a vast profusion of diamonds placed on it, the magnificence attending so great a king, who, I must tell you, I think a very personable man and the singular marks of honour by him bestowed on us, declare his heart disposed to administer all that pleasure and satisfaction that royalty can give and nothing could have added to the scene, but that of conversing with the queen, who enquired if we could talk French for that purpose; and so flattered our vanity, as to tell the lady in waiting, that the greatest mortification she had met with since her arrival in England, was her not being able to converse with us. I doubt not but that the novelty of our appearance raised her curiosity; for amidst such profusion of glitter, we must look like a parcel of nuns. The same ceremony was performed of kissing the hand with the princess dowager, Amelia, As both the doors of the drawing-room were open the whole time, the people without had a very good opportunity of seeing besides which, the queen was up stairs three times; and one of these opportunities was made use of for introducing my little darling, with Patty Barclay and Priscilla Bell, who were the only children admitted. At this sight I was so happy as to be present. You may be sure I was not a little anxious on account of my girl, who very unexpectedly remembered all instructions, but kissed the queen's hand with such a grace, that I thought the princess dowager would have smothered her with kisses; and on her return to the drawing-room, such a report was made of her to his majesty, that miss was sent for again, when she was so lucky as to afford the king great amusement, in particular by telling him she loved the king, though she must not love fine things, and that her grandpapa would not allow her to make a courtesy. The simplicity of her dress and manner seemed to give great pleasure, and she was dismissed with as great applause as my most boundless wishes could desire. Her sweet face made such an impression on the duke of York, that I rejoice she was only five instead of fifteen. When he first met her, which was by accident, he made use of all his eloquence to persuade miss to give him leave to introduce her to the queen; but she would by no means consent to go with him, till I informed her that it was no less than a prince that was making court to her; which she no sooner heard, than her little female heart relented, and she gave him her hand-a true copy of the sex. The king, you may observe, never sat down, nor did be taste any thing during the whole time. Her majesty drank tea, which was brought her on a silver waiter by brother John, who delivered it to the lady in waiting, and she presented it kneeling, which to us, who had never seen that ceremony before, appeared as pretty as any of the parade. The rest of the royal family and nobility repaired to the place prepared for refreshments. Our kitchen, upon this occasion, was turned into a tea-room, and coffee and chocolate were prepared for above a hundred people, and four females to attend; besides, there was a cold collation of hams, fowls, tongues, hungbeef, &c., all served in small plates, for this repast was only designed for a bit, by way of staying the stomach. The dressers, after being covered with a fine cloth, were spread with white biscuits, rusks, &c. The floor, like the rest of the apartments, was covered with a carpet. In the decoration of this room, I had like to have laid myself up in the morning. In the little parlour was a desert of fruits and sweetmeats, and three men-servants to wait in the character of valets, for no servants in livery were suf fered to appear. Above stairs was the like provision made for our own company, and proper attendants in waiting, for no person that day was to stir from the post they were placed at, to prevent confusion. Through fatigue, mamma was very soon obliged to retire; then sister Weston was declared mistress of the ceremony, and sister Patty her attendant; as for us, we were so happy as to have nothing to do but to converse with the ladies, some of whom were very sociable. As they staid till seven, the drawing-room and balcony were illuminated, which added prodigiously to the beauty of the scene. But what charmed us most of all, was their majesties being left with us by themselves, having sent all away before them, except the two ladies in waiting on the queen; and indeed this has been deemed by the public the greatest mark of respect they could bestow, to trust themselves without so much as a guard in the house, or any of the nobles. The leave they took of us was such as we might expect from our equals; full of apologies for the trouble they had given us, and returning thanks for the entertainment; which they were so careful to have fully explained, that the queen came up to us as we were all standing on one side the door, and had every word interpreted, and left us in astonishment at her condescension, my brothers attending them to the coach in the same manner they had received them, only with the additional honour of assisting the queen to get in. Some of us sat up to see them return from the hall, otherwise we should have seen nothing of the grandeur of the pro and it was worth our pains. Their majesties, thinking it a compliment from us, took great care to return it, by the notice they took of us as they passed. In short, they omitted nothing that could demonstrate respect; an instance of which the king gave, by ordering twenty-four of the life-guards, who were drawn up during his majesty's stay in Bow church-yard, to be placed opposite our house all night, lest any of the canopy should be pulled down by the mob, in which there was one-hundred yards of silk damask. If there were any particular circumstance which might be said to impart the slightest uneasiness to his majesty on his visit to the city, it was the almost enthusiastic manner in which Mr. Pitt was received. He appeared to be the chief point of attraction to the people, and in some respect the dignity of royalty seemed to be eclipsed by the marked attention which was paid to that distinguished statesman. In this ebullition of the popular sentiment, his majesty read the high degree of unpopularity which attended the late change in the ministry, which exhibited itself in a short time in a very and it made that deep impression upon him extraordinary manner. On the 16th, the house of commons waited on his majesty with the following address: The humble Address of the House of Commons to the King. Most gracious Sovereign, We your majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the commons of Great Britain in parliament assembled, beg leave to return your majesty the most humble and hearty thanks of this house, for your most gracious speech from the throne. Permit us, at the same time, to offer to your majesty our warmest congratulations on the joyful and auspicious event of your royal nuptials, with a princess descended from an illustrious Protestant line, distinguished by the most eminent graces and endowments, and worthy to be the royal partner of your throne by possessing every We beg leave also to express our just sense of that | sively defeated the projects of the enemy, and hath preaffectionate regard which your majesty has shewn for vented their making that progress, which, from their your people, by consulting on this most important and on this most important and superior numbers, they expected, together with that interesting occasion, as on every other, their happiness gracious approbation, which your majesty hath been and that of their posterity. And we assure your ma- pleased to express of the valour of your troops, cannot jesty, that with hearts full of gratitude for this signal but give the highest satisfaction to your faithful commons: instance of your royal attention to the welfare of your and they see, with just admiration, the repeated proofs, subjects, and thoroughly sensible of the exalted mexit of in every campaign, of that unshaken resolution, and of your illustrious consort, your faithful commons will not those astonishing efforts, which alone could have enabled fail to make such honourable and ample provision, as your majesty's great ally the king of Prussia, to resist the may enable her to support her royal dignity with proper numerous forces of his enemies. lustre, in case she shall survive your majesty; for the long continuance of whose life we shall never cease to offer up to the Divine Providence our most ardent VOWS. Allow us, Sir, to return our sincere and humble thanks to your majesty, for your tender concern for the prosperity of your people, in wishing to restore to them the blessings of peace; and to declare that we cannot too much admire that humanity so becoming your royal breast, which, amidst the successes of your own kingdoms, feels for the calamities of other nations. We are fully persuaded, that those beneficent dispositions which induced your majesty to consent to the appointment of a congress for a general pacification, and to enter into a negotiation with France for a particular peace, could not have failed of the desired effect, if the enemy, influenced by the same motives, had shewn the same good intentions, and would have complied with such conditions as were requisite for the accomplishment of that salutary work. We do most gratefully acknowledge your majesty's vigilance and firmness, in not suffering the hopes or expectations of peace to produce the least suspense or relaxation in the exertion of your arms. And we congratulate your majesty on those happy successes, which, under the good providence of God, we must ascribe to the wisdom and vigour of your majesty's measures; to which we owe the reduction of Dominica, the conquest of Belleisle, achieved with so much reputation to the British arms, and the destruction of the enemy's power in the East Indies, by the acquisition of Pondicherry, their last remaining settlement of any strength in those countries. The wise and able conduct of his serene highness prince Ferdinand of Brunswick, whereby he hath succes We beg leave to assure your majesty of our entire concurrence and support in the most effectual prosecution of the war, for the interest and advantage of these kingdoms; and in maintaining, to the utmost of our power, the good faith and honour of your majesty's crown, and the engagements entered into with your allies; and that we are truly sensible, that the constant care and attention of your majesty to pursue the most vigorous measures in every part, where any successful impression can still be made upon the enemy, are the only means to attain that desirable object, an honourable and a lasting peace. We receive, with the deepest gratitude, that most endearing expression of your majesty's unbounded goodness and affection towards this your native country, in the solemn declaration, which your majesty has been pleased to make, that, as well in the prosecution of the war as in the conclusion of the peace, no consideration whatever shall induce you to depart from the true interest of these your kingdoms, and from the honour and dignity of your crown. Your majesty may be assured, that your faithful commons will cheerfully grant such supplies, as the nature and extent of the several services shall be found to require; firmly relying on your majesty's wisdom and justice, that they will be applied with the strictest oeconomy, and in such a manner as may most effectually answer the great ends for which they shall be granted.. We do, with great truth, assure your majesty, that it is our most earnest desire, that this first parliament convened by your royal authority, may, by their conduct, give your majesty a happy proof of the zeal, the loyalty, and the affection of your people. Sensible of the difficult crisis, in which we are as sembled, we are determined to concur, with the greatest firmness and unanimity, in whatever may contribute to the public welfare, may tend to defeat the views and expectations of our enemies, and may convince the world, that there are no difficulties, which your majesty's wisdom and perseverance, with the assistance of your parliament, cannot surmount. His majesty's answer: Gentlemen, I return you my hearty thanks for this very dutiful and affectionate address. The early proofs of your most cordial attachment to me and my family, upon the occasion of my marriage, and the particular regard and attention which you express for the queen, in a manner that so nearly concerns her, cannot but give me most sensible satisfaction. The assurance of your steady and vigorous support, must add the greatest weight to my endeavours for the public good; and will be the surest means of bringing the war in which we are engaged, to such a conclusion as is the constant object of my wishes; and will most effectually provide for the honour, happiness, and security of my kingdoms. As subjects are greatly influenced by the example of their sovereign, we have the greatest reason to hope that the matrimonial state will be duly honoured by your majesty's dutiful subjects cheerfully following the royal example: an example too much wanted in this degenerate age, wherein that happy state to which we all aspire, and the sweets of which you have now enjoyed, is made the object of ridicule instead of respect, by too many vain, giddy, and dissipated minds. If the riches of a nation consist in its populousness, this happy country will, in this respect, too soon become poor, whilst the lawful means to continue posterity are either shackled by the restraints of mistaken laws, or despised by those who respect none. But as every virtuous and commendable action is encouraged by your royal consort, and your own noble sentiments and conduct, we hope this example will be duly followed by your majesty's loyal subjects. That you may long remain a pattern of conjugal fidelity and happiness, and see a numerous offspring grow up as tender plants under your maternal influence, to be a blessing to their royal parents and to this nation, are the sincere and ardent wishes of your majesty's most dutiful and devoted subjects, The Ladies of St. Albans An address was presented to the queen, at the same time, by the house of commons, on her nuptials; but amongst the various addresses which were delivered to her majesty on her marriage, that from the ladies of the borough of St. Albans may claim the precedency for its singularity, and for the amusement which it afforded to her majesty.. It was as follows:-jesty from the maidens of this kingdom, of TO THE QUEEN'S MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY. The humble Address of the ladies of the borough of St. Albans, in the county of Hertford. May it please your majesty, We your most dutiful and affectionate subjects, being by custom precluded from being named in the address of the mayor and corporation of this place, beg leave to approach your majesty with the warmest congratulations on your happy nuptials. Formed by nature, and improved by the completest education, you were selected by the best of kings, to add the only happiness that was wanting to his majesty in this world. This address, from its extreme singularity, excited general observation, and not a little mirth at the cost of the loyal, but desponding, ladies of St. Albans; and it gave rise to a jeu d'esprit, purporting to be a petition to her ma thirty years of age and upwards, praying for a tax on bachelors, to be appropriated to the support of neglected and superannuated virgins. On Monday the 23d, the committee appointed to prepare the late entertainment for the royal family in Guildhall, waited on their majesties at St. James's, in pursuance of an order of the last common-council, and being introduced to the king in his closet by the duke of Devonshire, the right honourable sir Samuel Fludyer, bart., lord mayor, addressed his majesty to the following effect: Royal sir, The lord mayor, aldermen, and commons of the city of London, in common council assembled, being desirous (amongst other marks of their personal veneration and esteem for your majesty), to have your majesty's statue erected on the Royal Exchange amongst those of your royal predecessors, and the picture of your majesty put up in the Guildhall of the said city, have, in order hereunto, directed us to make our humble application to your majesty, that your majesty will be pleased to do the city of London the honour to sit for your picture, and to signify your pleasure therein: and we are commanded, at the same time, to express to your majesty the deep and grateful sense which the said court of common council will ever retain of your majesty's gracious condescension, in honouring their late entertainment at Guildhall with your royal presence. The committee afterwards waited upon the queen, being introduced to her majesty by the duke of Manchester; when the lord mayor addressed her majesty on behalf of the commoncouncil, requesting her majesty would be pleased to sit for her picture; and expressing also the common council's grateful sense of her majesty's condescension in honouring the city with her presence. His majesty was pleased to receive the committee in a gracious manner, expressing his entire satisfaction at the late entertainment, and signified his royal intention to give orders, that his picture and that of her majesty should be sent to the city. Her majesty was also pleased to receive the city in a very polite manner; and such of the committee as had not before, were permitted to kiss her majesty's hand. On the 19th of November, the house of commons proceeded to take into its consideration that part of the king's speech which related to the queen, and a resolution was passed, that in case she should survive his majesty, she should enjoy an income of 100,000l. per annum, with the palace of Somerset-House, and the lodge and lands at Richmond-Park; and that the said annuity should be charged upon all or any part of those revenues of the crown, which by an act made in the previous session were directed to be consolidated with the aggregate fund. A patent also passed the privy-seal, granting unto her majesty the sum of 40,000l. yearly, for the better support of her dignity. On the 2d of December his majesty attended by the right honourable lord Delawar and lord Robert Bertie, went with the usual state to the the bill for settling her majesty's dowry. When house of peers, and gave the royal assent to the act passed, her majesty, who was present and seated on a chair of state on the king's right hand, rose up, and made her obeisance to the king. On presenting this bill, the speaker of the house of commons addressed his majesty as follows: Most gracious sovereign, It has been the first care of your faithful commons, to take into their consideration what your majesty most affectionately recommended to them from the throne, namely, the enabling your majesty to make that provision for the queen in case she shall survive you, to which her royal dignity and her own merit give her the justest claim. On such an occasion, I should ill discharge the trust which has lately been reposed in me by the commons, and most graciously confirmed by your majesty, if I omitted to assure you, that they feel the warmest sentiments of gratitude to your majesty, who have made their happiness, and that of their posterity, your principal object. Of this your majesty has given abundant proof, by your royal nuptials with a princess whose illustrious ancestors were early assertors of the civil and religious liberties of mankind, and in consequence closely attached distinguished virtues and amiable endowments pointed to your majesty's family; a princess, whom the most out to your majesty's choice, and made the partner of the brightest crown in Europe. |