reign's consort. Mr. alderman Wood, lady Ann Hamilton, and a female attendant, rode in the same carriage. The acclamations were now renewed, and continued without interruption till the entire cavalcade reached the metropolis, when they swelled into a yet louder strain. Her majesty was evidently affected, though not overcome, by these testimonies of reverence and loyalty. It was obvious that she had anticipated no less, and that she had formed a right estimate of the national character. Whilst many expressed their feelings in a tone of congratulation, fervent benedictions might be heard from the less vociferous part of the assemblage. So earnest was the general sentiment of respect, that every carriage in the royal suite was honored by some mark of popular applause. It was not well known in London where her majesty would take up her residence, and the multitude was, therefore, scattered in various directions, and broken into indistinct groups, as the cavalcade passed through St. George's-fields. On pursuing its route over Westminster-bridge, the multitude re-assembled in one compact body, and, preceding or following in the train, accompanied the procession to its close. The ladies, it may be supposed, felt a peculiar interest on this occasion, and testified the warmth of that feeling by every demonstration not unbecoming the delicacy of their sex. Though not originally intended to pass up Pall

Mall, this direction was taken by the great body of horsemen who preceded the royal carriage, and it was not thought necessary to turn suddenly off. The sentries on duty at Carlton-house presented arms, but in a manner indicating that some reserve and embarrassment extended even to their humble stations. It was now understood that her majesty was to proceed to the house of Mr. alderman Wood, in South Audley Street, there to fix her abode for the present. Thither all parties, whether on horseback or on foot, began to hasten, and soon swelled into a countless multitude those who, from better or earlier information, had already stationed themselves in that quarter. Cousiderable difficulty was experienced in leading up her majesty's barouche to the door. The tide of popular feeling was at its flood, and the air rang with repeated cheerings. After the queen had at length entered, there seemed to be no disposition to disperse : vehicles of every kind maintained their position, and the crowd stood compact and immoveable. In a few minutes Mr. alderman Wood appeared in the balcony of the first floor, and intimated to the people that her majesty would in person testify the sense which she entertained of the respectful sentiments expressed towards her. The clamour then subsided, till, shortly after, the queen herself appeared, and by a dignified obeisance acknowledged the tokens of affectionate loyalty by which her reception had

7

been graced. The most splendid pageant, the most imposing theatrical exhibition, never imparted a more genuine delight than seemed to pervade all ranks of spectators at this instance of condescending kindness. Her majesty, with a deportment perfectly graceful, walked from one end of the balcony to the other, and, having bowed to all around, withdrew from the ardent gaze which fed upon her presence. The crowd instantly dispersed through the various outlets of the street, and her majesty's train, consisting of a calash and three post-chaises, were allowed to unload.

The club-houses in St. James's Street were illuminated, as were likewise the houses in Hill Street, Burlington-house, and some others in Piccadilly.

The next day placards were posted about town, requesting the public "to illuminate for the Queen this evening." This request was partially complied with; and the cries of "lights! lights!" were continually heard in the streets, particularly in South Audley Street, accompanied with threats. In some places these threats were carried into execution, the windows of several houses having been demolished. In Curzon-Street, scarcely a house escaped; and at many of these houses the large squares of the parlour and first floor windows were entirely broken. The houses in

Dover Street and Clarges Street shared a similar fate.

The illuminations the succeeding night were more general: persons in carriages, and even foot passengers were compelled, in South Audley Street, to pull off their hats, and huzza for the Queen. Many of the windows which had been repaired during the day were again broken, in consequence of no lights being exhibited; and several carriages were attacked and much injured, as the drivers obstinately refused to comply with the requisitions of the mob.

ON the day subsequent to the arrival of her majesty, June 6, lord Liverpool appeared in the house of lords, and presented a message from the king which he handed to the lord Chancellor, who immediately read it to the following effect:

"G. R.

"The king deems it necessary, in consequence of the arrival of the queen, to communicate to the house of lords certain papers relative to the conduct of her majesty since her departure from this country, which his majesty recommends to the immediate and serious attention of the house.

"The king has felt a most anxious desire to avert, by all the means in his power, a necessity as painful to the people as to his own feelings; but the

step taken by the queen leaves him no alternative.

The king feels the utmost confidence in making this communication, that the house of lords will adopt that course of proceeding which the justice of the case, and the honor and dignity of his crown require."

The royal message being read,

(They were contained in He intended to propose

The earl of Liverpool, by his majesty's command, then laid on the table the papers referred to in his majesty's message. a green bag, sealed up.) that his majesty's most gracious message should be taken into consideration to-morrow, when he meant to move an address upon it. The terms of the address would be such as not to pledge their lordships to any thing further than to thank his majesty for his communication, and to assure his majesty that their lordships would adopt that course of proceeding which the justice of the case and the honor and dignity of the crown should appear to require. He would then move to refer the papers he had laid on the table to a secret committee, having for its object to inquire whether any and what course of proceeding should be adopted. He then moved that his majesty's most gracious message be taken into consideration to-morrow, and that their lordships be summoned for that day.