CHAP. XX.] 
STOCKHOLM. 
459 
On the 24th at 8 A.M. the Vega again weighed anchor in 
order to steam on slowly^ past Vaxholm into Stockholm. We 
met innumerable flag-decked steamers by the way, fully laden 
with friends, known and unknown, who with shouts of rejoicing 
welcomed the Vega men home. The nearer we came to 
Stockholm, the greater became the number of steamers, that, 
arranged in a double line and headed by the Vega, slowly 
approached the harbour. Lanterns in variegated colours were 
lighted on the vessels, fireworks were let off, and the roar of 
cannon mingled with the loud hurrahs of thousands of spectators. 
After being greeted at Kastelholmen with one salute more the 
Vega anchored in the stream in Stockholm at 10 P.M. 
The queen of the Malar had clothed herself for the occasion 
in a festive dress of incomparable splendour. The city was 
illuminated, the buildings round the harbour being in the first 
rank. Specially had the King done everything to make the 
reception of the Vega expedition, which he had so warmly 
cherished from the first moment, as magnificent as possible. 
The whole of the Royal Palace was radiant with a sea of lights 
and flames, and was ornamented with symbols and ciphers in 
which the name of the youngest sailor on the Vega was not 
omitted. 
An estrade had been erected from Logaorden to the land¬ 
ing-place. Here we were received by the toAvn councillors, 
whose president, the Governor, welcomed us in a short speech; 
we were then conducted to the Palace, where, in the presence 
of her Majesty the Queen of Sweden, the members of the 
Royal House, the highest officials of the State and Court, &c., 
we were in the grandest manner welcomed in the name of the 
fatherland by the King of Sweden, who at the same time con¬ 
ferred upon us further marks of his favour and goodwill.^ It 
1 Among others to all who took part in the Expedition a Vega medal, 
specially struck, to be worn on a blue-yellow riband on the breast. It may 
