SAFE ARRIVAL OF HIS
MAJESTY
It is with unfeigned pleasure
that we this day announce the safe arrival of his Majesty on
Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock in Leith Roads. At
an early hour in the morning the Calton Hill was crowded
with spectators, anxiously looking out for the royal
squadron; but the morning being hazy it was nine
o'clock before they were descried , about ten miles below
Inch Keith.
Immediately on their being
observed the greatest bustle took place in every quarter of
the city, and all the public bodies began to make
arrangements to proceed to meet our Sovereign.
At eleven o'clock the haze on
the water began to clear away; and the Royal George yacht on
board of which was his Majesty, was distinctly
visible, with the James Watt and Comet steam-packets towing
her up.
The other ships of the royal
squadron, viz. the Phaeton frigate, the Egeria sloop of war,
the Prince Regent yacht, and the Calliope and Cameleon
tenders to the royal yacht, were astern of the Royal George,
and kept firing salutes which were answered by the Dover
flagship and Forte frigate in the Roads.
When near Inch Keith the Comet
steam vessel threw off the Royal George, which was then
towed to the Roads by the James Watt. About half past
one, the two vessels passed Leith in fine style, and
at two cast anchor in the Roads, when a salute was fired
from the Battery.
During the passage of the royal
squadron up the Firth, the Castle and Calton Hills were
crowded with people; and along the shore at Leith and
Newhaven numbers were assembled who repeatedly cheered,
welcoming the approach of the royal visitor. |