l8oo. during a Tour through England. 251 



were a mixed multitude of all defcriptions, whipping, fpur- 

 ring, and driving on at full fpeed, without the leaft order or 

 regularity. In Ihort, I could compare this part of the pro- 

 ceflion to nothing elfe than your holiday hcmpies, who fcam- 

 per along the back-fands at Leith races, during the interval 

 between the heats. 



At Blackfriars Bridge, the King was met in ftate by the 

 Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and other officers of the municipality ; 

 but his Lordfhip's horfe was badly tra,ined for facing fuch a 

 numerous aflemblage. We followed as faft on foot as we 

 were able ; but, as it was Impoffible to keep up with his 

 Majefty, we proceeded no further in that direclion than 

 Leadenhall-ftreet, which was filled with the Eafl India vo- 

 lunteers. Learning that the chief exhibition would be in 

 Finfbury-fquare, we made the beft of our way to that place, 

 which was crowded with troops and a multitude of people, 

 while the windows of every houfe were occupied by the fe- 

 male fex. We forced our way up to the head of the fquare, 

 where the proceiTion was to enter ; and, by getting hold of 

 the baluftrades, I had the fined view imaginable. Figure to 

 yourfelf a vaft body of troops drawn up in the fquare ; frefh 

 bodies conftantly marching along the Itreet, while the fcene 

 was enlivened by numerous bands of martial mufic, and the 

 loyal huzzas of an immenfe multitude. The weatlier, which, 

 in the morning, was but lowering and dull, nov/ changed 

 for the better : the fun {hone bright, and a gentle breeze pre- 

 vented the heat of the place from being difagreeable. Un- 

 der thefe favourable circumftances, his Majelty entered tlie 

 fquare, and was received with fuch burfts of applaufe, as 

 could not fail to animate his royal breaft with the moft de- 

 lightful and grateful fenfations. Thoufands of white hand- 

 ke-i;chiefs in an inftant were waved from the windows, while 

 the fpe£lators below teftified their heartfelt joy by repeated 

 and general acclamations. The King immediately took ofF 

 his hat, and bowed to the people ; and, during his march 

 round the fquare, (which was conducted with great delibera- 

 tion), was joined by the Prince of Wales, at the head of the 

 Artillery-company of the city, who afterwards rode on his 

 Majefi^y's right hand : the proceffion then went on to the Lord 

 Chancellor's, where the Royal Family breakfafled, inftcad of 

 taking that rcfrefliment at the Bank, as was expecled by the 

 Dirc6lors. Satisfied with what we had feen, we returned to 

 ftur lodgings. 

 " . His 



