18 AUGUST 1849, Page 2

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The Queen graced the last day of her stay in Dublin, Friday, with a personal compliment to "Ireland's only Duke "; paying a visit to the Dune of Leinster at his residence of Carton near Maynooth. Her Ma- jesty was driven to the most beautiful parts of an estate rich in picturesque scenery, and was entertained by the exhibition of national dances per- formed by the Duke's tenantry. The grounds of Carton were thrown open, and were crowded by Dublin citizens and people of the country ; the poorest mingling with the richest in the parterre walks; and all testifying their delight when the Queen, who appeared on the terrace, acknowledged their hearty cheers. The Queen's party returned to the Viceregal Lodge about five o'clock, and in less than an hour reappeared on the way to Kingstown harbour for embarkation. From the hour of noon and even earlier, crowds assembled near the terminus to catch a last sight of Vic- toria; but at four o'clock the throng of persons was so immense, and from its mere mass so unmanageable by the police and troops who kept guard, that the station-gates had to be closed and the general traffic suspended whilst the arrangements were perfected. About six o'clock, the carriages arrived at the Westland Row station; the Queen and Prince Albert, with the children and suite, entered the train, and were speedily transported to the Kingstown station ; every point of view on the way being seized by spectators who heartily wished her Majesty God speed and happiness. A single gun from the Dragon and the running up of a white flag formed the signal for manning the yards of every vessel in the harbour,—a splendid sight. Prince Albert first stepped from the carriage, then the Queen; and both appeared to enjoy in the highest degree the warmth of the greetings from all sides. '` Her Majesty was dressed in summer travelling costume; she wore a blue summer bonnet, and a white lama shawl over a dark silk dress. The Prince was dressed in black, and wore in over-coat of white cloth, un- buttoned: he walked uncovered along the platform bowing cordially and /911.•L jepeatedly to the cheering multitude. The Royal Children walked abreast ---,„ Wstivegn. the Queen and Prince; and the Prince of Wales, recognizing a -cheer foilpirLself, acknowledged it with a grace worthy of his rank." When -quee& recognized on the upper terrace, a thrilling shout was raised

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the row below, which was echoed by the crew of every ship in the - labour; snit the petals of hurrahs were again and again exchanged across the water. The Queen was accompanied to the water's edge by a dig_ tingnished company. Her Majesty affectionately saluted Prince George of Cambridge and Lady Clarendon, and shook bands warmly yrfil the Lord-Lieutenant and the. venerable Sir Edward Blakeney; and then with a general farewell to the rest, she stepped on board her yacht. On approaching the extremity of the pier near the lighthouse, where the people were most thickly congregated, the Queen suddenly left the two Ladies-in-waiting with whom she was conversing, rail with agility along the dear, and climbed the steep paddle-box to joia Prince Albert, who did not notice her till she was nearly at his side. Reaching him and taking his arm, she waved her right hand towards the people on the piers. She appeared to give some order to the command- ant; the paddles immediately ceased to move, and the vessel merely floated on. The royal standard was lowered in courtesy to the eheeriir thousands on shore; and this stately obeisance was repeated five times. When the vessel had thus dropped a full half mile from the point of de- barkation, the wheels rapidly revolved, and the royal standard swept out straight in the freshening breeze. Three steamers crowded with passes]. gers kept company for some time; when they at last turned their hehns, the Queen's yacht again momentarily slackened speed in token of farewell. " As the evening closed, the smoke of the last ship of the flotilla could scarce be seen."

The voyage to Belfast was a rough one. Heavy rain began to fall soon after seven o'clock, and as night drew on the gathering clouds and foam- tipped waves indicated a stormy night. We again extract from the gra- phic narrative of the passenger-reporter who writes for the Times.

"Towards midnight, the Vivid, which had- been detained at Kingstown to re- ceive luggage, joined the squadron and took up a position in advance of the royal yacht, where she was stationed in a sort of post of observation—now dashing along to warn off some strange sail, and now taking a turn towards land to fiDa out some light, or to ascertain the exact position of the fleet. Standing across the bay of Dundrum, wherein the Great Britain passed such a boisterous winter on the hard beach, the squadron through freshening wind and rising sea pressed ea_ wards, till the South Rock Light was visible on their ,port-beam about one o'clock. A thick fog with rain dragged over the vessels and obscured every view of sea or sky; the lights of the ships as they rolled in the swelling waves shone with a lurid uncertain glare; and the shrill whistle of the wind became higher every moment. Away on the verge of a stormy rock-bound coast—in a night obscured by a threatening sky—no joyous cheers to be heard—not a sound audible but the hoarse voice of the waves or the shriek of a wandering sea-gull as he flashed athwart the gleam of the lanterns,—it was hard indeed to bring home to one's mind the full ract, that, tossing about in the little fleet which swept on in dark- ness and wind, was the Queen of the greatest empire in the world. At three o'clock the wind came up in stronger steadier blasts; and, as the lights on the Copelands—islands which lie off the entrance to Belfast Lough—were not to be seen, the squadron lay to till the Vivid ran in and made them out. On her re- turn the squadron again proceeded, and ran into Carrickfergus Roads, about five o'clock in the morning, in a breeze which amounted to half a gale. " The Roads just mentioned are situate off the town of Carrickfergus, about seven miles below Belfast, and between the arms of land which almost enclose the Lough. An arm of the sea, gradually contracting as it rmis for about ten miles up towards the town till it narrows into a river crossed by a handsome stone bridge, constitutes the lough and harbour of that important town, which boasts as large a commerce as any port in Ireland, and is the -Liverpool of the sister king- dom. The scenery on the coast is picturesque. On the North or Antrim side, a series of bold tumulary hills rise in a regular range till they blend with the hori- zon, and slope gradually away in a succesaion of fine meadows and linen-fields, with their snowy fabrics bleaching in the sun, with here and there some hand- some villa embosomed in trees down to the shore, which is studded with white houses or clean little villages. On the South or Down side a similar landscape is stretched out; above which, in fine weather, are seen the lofty peaks of Morse and Iveagh. But with the dawn all the land was veiled with a thick gauze of driving storm. The scud flew rapidly on the wings of a strong South wind. The Lough presented a seething mass of foam; and the squadron, riding head to wind, tried to their bent the iron cables. When the morning advanced, a number of fine steamers laden with passengers came down from the town and saluted the royal yacht with loud cheers and firing of cannon; boats put off from the shore with crowds on board, and dashed through sheets of spray to welcome their Sovereign; and numerous yachts and small craft kept dancing about her with wonderful perseverance. Little puffs of smoke along the water's edge, wigs an occasional sound of infant cannon, announced that the enterprising proprietors of various mansions were intent on signifying their loyalty in spite of the weather. Bet the morning passed away, and day wore on in perfect inactivity. The wind rose higher and higher; and but for the secure roadstead under the lee of the Down- shire hills, the squadron would have made but bad weather of it. It rushed down with fury, sweeping away the cheers of the people and drowning the roar of their tiny artillery, now and then permitting a gust of music from the bands on board the steamers to be heard, and then crushing it beneath its own shrill voice. At one o'clock, the royal yacht signalled the Vivid to run down to the Black Eagle, and take her boat in tow; and in a few minutes more the little vessel was dragging a fine stout gig from the Admiralty yacht towards the royal vessel. The boat having been left alongside, in a few minutes more a party of ladies and gentlemen, well muffled, were observed to descend the aides of the Victoria and Albert, and push off in two boats towards the Fairy; while the striking of the royal standard on board the former showed that one of those who took so kindly to the water,' as the sailors observed, was indeed her Majesty. A short pall through stumpy little il- behaved waves brought the Royal party on board the Fairy; and at half-past one o'clock the little tender, followed by the Vivid, steamed away towards Belfast, accompanied by a number of steam-vessels, and greeted by the shouts of their living cargoes. On reaching the piers, which compress the channel into a narrow compass, about half a mile below the town, a gay bordering of shipping along both sides of the passage, with flags streaming in the air, and a dense crowd of persons, were to-be seen who ran along with loud shoats of joy as the Fairy passed onwards. Pateraroes, muskets, blunderbusses and every sort of vehicle for the noisy ignition of gunpowder, were discharged with picturesque irregularity; the decks, the shrouds, the yards, the very topmasts of the steam- ers and merchantmen alongside the quays, swarmed with people. On ar- riving at the landing-place, a very handsome and substantial edifice, built ex- pressly for the honourable reception of her Majesty, came in sight, decked out with wreaths, festoons of laurel, crowns, and mottoes, while on the top were stationed four lads in naval dress to take charge of the standard. Beyond this was one of the handsomest triumphal arches we have as yet seen; and at either side of the space, which was preserved by the guard, of honour and by the con- stabulary, were gaily decorated platforms with their various occupants, all in high excitement, with waving handkerchiefs and hats: outside the wooden barricades and lines of soldiery was one compact mass of people. As far as the eye could strain over the house-tops and up the distant streets a sea of heads was visible; and when the Fairy drew alongside, a cheer as hearty and enthusiastic as her Majesty ever yet heard burst from the people." Among the gentlemen who awaited the Queen in the pavilion, were the Marquises of Londonderry, Downshire, and Donegal, the Earls of Roden, Antrim, Erne, Enniskillen, and Belfast, Lords de Roe, Dungannon, Massa- Nene, and Ferrard, Lord John Chichester, Sir William Verner, Sir Her- oics Pakenham, Sir Robert Bateson, Mr. Sharman Crawford, and many other gentlemen locally connected. The Fairy came alongside the pier at about two o'clock; and numerous deputations from local bodies, religions and lay, immediately stepped on board and presented their addresses to her majesty. Fitting replies were given; and the Mayor of Belfast, like the

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f Cork received the honour of knighthood, rising from his knee" Sir William Johnson." The ceremonies having been performed, the Queen and Prince Albert debarked, and drove in procession through Belfast, to visit the institutions worthy of Royal patronage or attractive to the visiter. Foremost was the exhibition of the products of Irish industry, arranged by the Royal Flax Society in the rooms of Messrs. Sadler and Fenton. Her mossy saw flax in all the stages, from that of the freshly-gathered fibre, to the woven, bleached, and dressed fabric fit for use. The Queen and Prince Albert, exceedingly interested, spent a long time in the inspection, and ordered liberal purchases of what had most pleased them. They walked for some time in the cloisters of Queen's College, and entered the Emmination Hall. The Queen made an offer of her autograph in the college album, when it shall be ready for the honour. The main streets of the town were then traversed at a gentle pace; and the general effect is thus described—

"The preparations were effective, the people were enthusiastic, the Queen was delighted, and everything passed of without the slightest accident or anything to mar the éclat of a most gratifying reception. "At half-past five, her Majesty returned, and with her countenance radiant with joy and good-humour remained on deck, acknowledging with empressement the marks of respectful attachment she received on every side, till the yacht was fairly steaming back to her anchorage; where she arrived at six o'clock. The gale, for such it now was, grew furious; and it soon was evident from the state of the sky and water that the squadron would not leave Belfast for the night. Soon after dusk, the mountains gleamed with bonfires, which blazed through the mist and storm like meteors. A few daring boats put off, but soon retired again to safe harbours; and the royal squadron was left riding through the storm when darkness came on."

Through Saturday night the storm continued without abatement, and for some hours of Sunday morning the ships breasted nearly a gale of wind; but towards noon there was a partial lull. The Queen attended prayers, to which all hands were piped. At a quarter past one the Vivid was ordered to Belfast with a message, and on her return at half-past two the squadron had disappeared—advantage had been taken of the lull to ran for the opposite coast, and reach some Scotch port for anchorage during the night. The Vivid followed; and on getting out of the shelter of Belfast Lough, found a formidable sea.

"As she met the long swell, it pitched up on her quarter in a seething mass of foam, or slipping away from beneath, let down her hull into the yawning trough of waters, gulping as though it would swallow her at once. In advance, and nearly hull down, were the several vessels of the squadron, far separated, accord- ing to their rates of speed and power of endurance, tilting up their sterns, rolling to leeward, and thumping their bows through the waves. The further from land, the higher rose the sea and the louder roared the wind. The Mull of Galloway was in all its glory. The South wind, coming up the Channel, tore up the downward tide into rugged hills of water, topped with crisping froth, and dashed them against the quivering vessels, which squashed through and into them with a hissing noise, making a thousand rainbows of the spray. Thus up and down those green hill-sides the squadron sped on its way, the lazy vessels going fast astern ; poor Lucifer, with all such sail as he could carry, lagging hopelessly in the rear; Trident next, bowling alone more steadily; and then, in various order, the Sphynx, Black Eagle, Stromboli, Vivid, Fairy, and Victoria and Albert. The little tender made excellent progress, though at times even the trucks of her masts were invisible in the hollow of the sea. • Towards four o'clock it was evident the squadron did not intend to make for the mouth of the Clyde, for their course was too much to the Southward; and about five o'clock they were visible passing the Corsil Light, at the entrance of Lough Ryan; into which they ran, and where they anchored, off Cairn, at twenty minutes after five o'clock.

"A little boat put off from the royal yacht soon after her arrival, to a small landing-place on the South side of the Lough; and it was said the Prince was one of her passengers; but of this fact we lay all the onus upon rumour solely, merely venturing to affirm that the boat put off, and after a short stay, during which several gentlemen landed and walked along the beach, returned to the vessel. At midnight all the vessels settled down into gloom and profound dark- ness; the lights were extinguished in the yacht ; and no sound was heard over the dreary waste but the roaring of the wind, still rude and strong as ever, the scream of the gannet as he flew to his rocky nest, or the bells which marked the slow course of time on board the vessels."

At dawn the Black Eagle and Vivid weighed anchor, and stood away for the Frith of Clyde; and soon the rest of the fleet followed their lead. A little revenue-cutter came off from the lee of Arran, and put Captain Ro- binson on board the Queen's yacht, to act as a pilot up the magnificent es- tuary of Loch Long, one of the wildest and most romantic of the many arms of the sea which so deeply indent the West coast of Scotland. At Gonrock the Frith of Clyde trends suddenly to the Eastward, and Loch Long is a nerve:sr prolongation of it in the Northerly direction which it takes up to that point. The loch has a dark and gloomy aspect, from the deep and massive shadows which are thrown upon its waters by the ranges of lofty and heath-covered mountains flanking it on either side. The neighbouring hills are all overtopped by the bold and serrated range known as the Duke of Argyll's Bowling-green, which breaks into a wild succes- sion of conical eminences and splintered peaks, at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above the level of the sea. Unfortunately, however, these beauties were wrapped in storm-cloud or obscured by the mist and rain. At times a whiff of wind forced up the curling vapour, and disclosed a sheet Of water compressed into narrow straits between towering mountains, whose tops Were lost in the clouds, or expanding into bold bays looked in on every side by the steep sides of cliffs, down whose precipitous descent rolled the foaming torrent of many a burn swelled into foaming cascades by the heavy rains. Again the dense curtain fell and enveloped the whole scene. At some sudden turn a giant moun- tain—with a thousand white rivulets furrowing its sides—a few scattered sheep holding on, as it were, to the scant herbage—a shepherd's lone sheeling, barely distinguishable from the surrounding heather, and an odd stray sportsman toiling after some wild pack of grouse up the cliffs—stood revealed for one moment in all its grandeur, to be lost in an instant." It had been intended that the Queen should debark at the head of Loch Long; cross from Arroqnhak to Tarbet on Loch Lomond, a distance of only four or five miles; descend Loch Lomond to Balloch, and proceed thence along the Leven bank to Dumbarton and the Clyde. Great prepa- rations were made at Balloch-and Dumbarton; but the inclemency of the Weather deranged, the plan. Prince Albert proceeded by this route alone, fl courtesy to the expecting people. The Queen, in her yacht, redescended Loch Long; and ascending Loch Goy], a small and beautiful bay somewhat nearer to Glasgow, she anchored there for the night, and despatched the Fairy to Dumbarton for Prince Albert.

The Prince followed the route by Balloch and Dumbarton; endeavouring by his courtesies to alleviate the disappointment caused at the Queen's ab- sence; and he reached Loch Goyl early in the afternoon.

On Tuesday morning, the weather was still miserable. "Every rope of the taut rigging of the men-of-war at anchor off the bank distilled a stream of rain; the lugubrious-looking officers, in oilskin hats and pea-coats, paced the wet decks like so many Noahs. However, spite of rain and cold and wind, the trains that began to leave Greenock soon after three o'clock in the morning were well filled, and a large body of spectators lined the banks of the broad river." About eight, the two yachts and the Vivid weighed anchor from Loch Gare, and descending to the Clyde, steamed rapidly upwards to Glasgow; the war steamers manning their yards and firing royal salutes as they passed. The landing-place, close to Glasgow Bridge, was reached at a few minutes before noon. As at Cork, here also occurred a notable meteorological incident—of course in honour of the Queen. The rain ceased falling nearly at the moment the Fairy was moored to the pier; and the " awful weather" which had prevailed for so many days cleared up; the sun shone forth from a beautiful sky; "and from the moment the Queen arrived till her departure, not a drop of rain fell!"

The form of receiving deputations with addresses was gone through on board the Fairy; and the honour of knighthood was conferred on Mr. James Anderson, the Lord Provost. The Queen and Prince Albert then landed, the Queen leading the Princess Royal and Prince Albert leading the Prince of Wales; and, seated in carriages, they drove in procession through the main streets of Glasgow. The spectacle of triumphal arches, festooned houses, and decorated balconies, is described as very magnificent; her Majesty's Scotch subjects having exerted themselves to surpass the receptions given by the Irish towns. The shops were all closed, for the holyday, and the whole population crowded the streets. A distinctive fea- ture is mentioned- " The whole line of procession, for three miles, was railed by thick wooden barriers; and the streets, instead of being protected by military and police, were kept chiefly by gentlemen, who to the number of between two and three thousand were sworn in special constables, and appeared on the inner side of the barriers, dressed with white rosettes, and having white staves of office in their hands." The Queen visited the old Cathedral; which was examined in every part. She then went to the College; and received in the Faculty Hall addresses from the Principal and Professors. The route ended at the terminus of the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway; where refreshments were laid out in the ladies' waiting-room. Shortly after two o'clock, her Majesty entered a railway carriage built for the occasion, and was soon out of sight on the way to Perth.

The splendid station at Perth was elaborately decorated with festoons of drapery and wreaths of flowers and evergri.;ens; and the Magistrates of the town were in waiting to receive her Majesty. A double line of gentlemen enrolled as special constables extended themselves the whole way from the Railway station to the George Hotel. The Queen's train ran into the sta- tion with great swiftness, and her Majesty alighted very suddenly ; but everything was so well ordered that she specially signified her pleasure at all the arrangements. Soon after arriving at the hotel, Prince Albert and Sir George Grey visited the Penitentiary—" one of the great Government prisons erected with the view of reforming as well as punishing certain classes of criminals, by carrying out entire separation and oonstant em- ployment." In the afternoon, the Queen and Prince Albert surprised and delighted the townsmen by driving, without ceremony, over their cele- brated Inch grounds and other points of view in the beautiful vicinity. Perth was made the resting-place for Tuesday night.

The Queen was early astir on Wednesday morning; and her carriages were entered at eight o'clock, to post the remainder of the journey to Bal- moral. The Magistrates stationed themselves at the boundary of their jurisdiction on the North bank of the Tay; and "a respectful recognition from the Queen and Prince as they passed amply repaid them for this part- ing mark of attention." The route followed last year, by the coast and through Aberdeen, was this year exchanged for the direct Highland route, by Cupar Angus, Illairgowrie, and the Spital of Glenshee. At Blairgowrie there was loyal preparation of arches, with an assemblage of gentry; and at each stopping-point there were numerous and demonstrative groups of spectators. However, on the understanding that the Queen's journey lost its character of a public progress with her departure from Glasgow, the reporters of the London papers there terminated their accounts, and left the Queen to pursue in private her route to the quiet retreat of Balmoral.

In the course of Prince Albert's journey from the head of Loch Lomond to Dumbarton, a disaster occurred which is narrated with affecting so- lemnity and minuteness by the correspondent of the Morning Chronicle— a stanch clansman of the person whom Prince Albert unintentionally slighted. According to the programme, says this correspondent, " The Queen was to land at Balloch, and drive to Dumbarton, five miles distant, in the carriage of William Campbell, Esq., of Tillichewan, a partner in one of the greatest mercantile firms in Glasgow, and well known throughout Scotland for his many and munifi- cent contributions in aid of the Free Church." Accordingly, Mr. Campbell pro- vided several sumptuous carriages and four, one lined with satin, for the accommo- dation of the Royal suite; "whilst most of the preparations made at the landing- place, and which were both tasteful and elaborate, were got up at his expense. He was present during the whole day, with his two sons, who, like himself, were dressed in the uniform of the Celtic Society, of which they are members, awaiting her Majesty's arrival, and making every necessary arrangement for her reception. It was considered singular, therefore, by the assembled spectators, that the car- riage of Sir James Colquhoun should have been sent round all the way from Tar- bet, a distance of seventeen miles, to convey the Prince, on landing, to Dumbarton. The incident gave rise to no little conversation; all agreeing that Mr. Campbell had been shabbily used, and some advising him to enter his carriage and drive at , once off the ground. This he refused to do, and still awaited the arrival of the Prince. As the boat approached the pier, several breadths of magnificent Brus- sels carpet were unrolled over the crimson cloth, with which it was already over- laid. Su James Colquboun's carriage had drawn up close Co the pier, at its junction with the bank. To it, therefore, the carpet, when unrolled, directly led. Mr. Campbell's carriage was a little to one side, standing in the moist gravel. Such of the crowd as were admitted to the pier lined it on either side up to Sir James Colcrabonn's carriage, under the impression that to it the Prince would be directly led. On landing, his Royal Higluxes walked leisurely up, bowing to those on either hand in acknowledgment of the cheers with which he was re- Ceived. All went well until he got within a few yards of the carriage; when the crowd suddenly opened at the point at which it had interposed between him and Mr. Campbell's carriage. The Prince observing this movement, and taking into account the superior style of the equipage prepared for him, as compared with the simple vehicle which had been sent round for his accommodation from Tarbet, hesitated for a moment as to which he should enter. The carpet led directly to the one which seemed to mark it out as the carriage prepared for him, whilst the other, although much more dashing in its appearance, was stand- ing a little aside in the gravel. Mr. Campbell, seeing the Prince hesitate, walked up to him, and pointed to his carriage, inviting his Royal Highness to enter it. rue Prince still hesitated, being in doubt as to which to take; when several of the bystanders threw themselves across the carpet, thus barricading the way to Sir James Colmthoun's carriage, and vociferating, 'This way ! this way!' pointing at the same time to that of Mr. Campbell. The Prince was in a greater quandary than ever; when one of his suite inquired if Sir James was not present? This ap- peared to decide the matter, as it was evidently the intention of those about his Royal Highness that he should take the carriage of Sir James Colquhoun. The crowd, therefore, yielded readily to the special constables, who dispossessed them of the carpet; and the way being again clear, the Prince entered the carriage, amid some hurrahs, and many cnes of' Shame, shame!' , The carriage immediately drove off at a brisk pace. Mr. Campbell and family then entered their own carriage; in doing which, they were surrounded by the crowd, who cheered them far more lustily than they had cheered the Prince, many running after them, as they drove off, for some distance, with their hurrahs. The order of the cortege was as follows--the Prince, with Sir James Clark and other at- tendants, went first in a carriage and four; another carriage and four followed, with other members of the suite; after which came Mr. Campbell, with his family, in a carriage and six, followed by several other carriages am! four. In proceeding towards Dumbarton, in order, it was supposed, to atone somewhat for the improper treatment to which he had been subjected, the cortege passed through the grounds of Tillichewan Castle, his superb residence, near the lake. It then proceeded rapidly along the main road towards the Clyde. In deprecating what bad happened, every one present exonerated the Prince from responsibility in respect to it; the blunder—for blunder it was—being wholly chargeable upon others. It was unfortunate, however; for Mr. Campbell is not only toriversally beloved in the neighbourhood of his fine country residence, but held on the highest esteem at Glasgow, where he has long occupied a most honourable and conspicu- ous position in the mercantile world. If he felt the indignity, he was too magna- nimous to show it; for he followed the Prince the whole way to Dumbarton."