Star. — London, England, 1813-07-21 00:00:00

PITTORLI 17711 AT PAUXNALL The preparations for this splendid testimony of , national exultation and gratitude,. have been con ducted undi r the auspices of Lord — Gwvrom Lord j YARMOUTH, Mr. WE LLESLEY P OLE , MY.LONG VCrELLES LEY ?OM Mt..Coxotteve, and several persons of dio tinction, assisted by Mr. SIMPSON, the ordinary Ma eager of the Garden.' Each Gentleman took a par ticular department, to which his taste and judgment were specifically applied, and the whole was under the inspection and direction of a general Committee, who attended daily to view the progress of the works, which were carried on with a degree of celerity and dispatch almost inconceivable. None but those im- Ine.hately connected with, or employed in the pre parntiuns, were permitted to enter the Gardens, and hence the vague and incorrecestatements which have :ypeared upon speculation before the public. The first object whfch the Committee had in view, was to select el place ' sufficiently extensive for this fe,lival, affording the necessary accommodation for the immense concourse of persons who, it was cor rectly anticipated, would feel a desire of being present on so happy an occasion; and therefore it was that V.itsxhall was chosen, as comprising in itself,. in ad dition to space, many of those requisites which were essential to their views. An agreement was conse quently made with Mr. BARRATT, the Proprietor, to give the use of his Gardens for the night; for which he was to receive 2500 guineas, and to have no other trouble in the arrangements than that of illuminating the Gardens to the extent which the illuminations are carried on ordinary nights. With the prepara tions for the banquet, and all the other brancbes of the entertainment he was to have nothing to 'do, steps having been taken by the Committee for the supply of the nece , sary refreslnnents, and engagements hav ing been made with the most celebrated confectioners, wine-merchants, and other persons, fur this purpose. These preliminaries having been settled, the next point to be consulted was the complexion to be given to the fete, and the choice of the decorations which might he most conducive to the public satisfaction, and the eclat of the particular circumstance to be cele brated. It was at once unanimously determined that the festival should be purely military, and, of conse quence, application was made to the Ordnance, and other Departments, under which the military stores are placed, tor the use of such materials as were ne. cessary to complete the plan, and these were most readily granted. This end attained, an inspection of the Gardens took place, when it was resolved to change their ordi. nary teatures, and to give to the place as novel an appearance as possible. Tor this purpose many of the usual ornaments were _removed ; the triumphal arches were levelled—the Hermit and his cave were removed to more gloomy regions...-the ruin: were for a u hile obscured ; many of the fences round the en. closures were taken down, and a complete metamor phosis took place in the exterior of these parts of the premises. The execution of the plan, which had been digested by the Committee, then commenced, altd was completed yesterday at two o'clock, in a style of great Magnificence and splendour. THE QUADRANGLI. Upon entering the Gardens by the principal en. trance, the first object that attracted attention was the Quadrangle, and here a scene of brilliancy and dazzling effulgence was exhibited, which may be li terally said to beggar description. The eye was at first natorally attracted towards the Orchestra, which stands in the centre, and which was studded from the summit to the base with ten thousand lamps, exhibi ting all the various hues of the rainbow, tastefully ar. ranged in festoons, stars, diamonds, plumes, crowns, and other elegant devices. Opposite the front of this conspicuous pyramid of light, is situated the Prince's Pavilion, and here a new source of astonishment and delight was presented. Upon the cornice which runs along the roof, stood pre-eminently distinguished the • name of the immortal Marquis of WEL IJ NGToN, in scribed in prodigious large Roman characters, aad illuminated by variegated lamps. Above this revered name appeared a Sun of extraordinary magnitude, formed of gold coloured lamps thickly hung, the effulgence of which was rendered still more bright by I the rays which were delineated upon the ground work, and which were formed of burnished gold. This again was surmounted by the Prince's Plume, not less vividly illuminated. On the right were placed the letters P. R. P. (Prince Regent of Portugal), and the Portuguese Arms ; and on the left F. VII.— 1 ardinand the Seventh), and the Spanish Arms.— rUnder the name of Wellington, was a star of great ana e gottude, in the centre of which were the letters D. Y. in Italian characters, standing for the Duke of York, Commander in Chief of the British troops.— The pillars which support the roof were entwined with spiral lines of variegated lamps, and the whole was interspersed with diamonds and an immense pro fusion of laurel leaves, the fresh green of which, con trasted with the blond glare of the lamps, had the most happy effect, and softened that light which would othrxwise have been almost insupportable. Emanating korn this gefnd centre, as it were, ran nand the covered way forming the quadrangle, a range of illumined borders, on which were inscribed the names of all the principal Officers, British, Spa nish, and Portuguese, who have distinguished them selves during the war in the Peninsula. Wliile on the south side, and immediately opposite to the Pa vilion bearing the name of Wellington, was the word lirrrottea, entwined with laurels, and splendidly illumined. Among other names which we oOscrved, 'Rue BueiteoA p GRAHAM, 13 EneSeoltD, L, VIM EIRA , ALAVERA, PAGE?, SPENCZN, ROLIEA, SHERBROOKE, SALAMANCA, COLT, AFENTS6 DONOR; FAN!, BADA• jOZ, A LAMA, CLINTON, SIMILE, OPORTO, LEITH, CICDAZI ROLMMGCI, Kuala, TbICTON, COTTON, STEW. ART, ALSCERA, &e.—These were all; like the name d Weilington, composed of lamps, and above them, at short distances from each other, were military trophies and wreaths of laurel, also illumined by va riegated lamps. The cieling of the covered way was, as usual, studded will lamps, and the supporting posts were beautifully decorated with wreaths of Lure!, interspersed with roses, jesamine, carnations, bonvy-suckle,.and other sweet•scented flowers—form ing altogether a soup d'ail truly grand and imposing. The attention of the visitor u as nexeturned to the rear of the Orchestra, where was exhibited a transpa rency, painted by Orme for this occasion, in which was displayed the Hero of the Fete, mounted on a spirited charger, and dressed in the fulkuniform of a Field Marshal at his feet beak Serjeant oftbalth regiment, presenting to him the &woo of Jourdan ; and behind him stood two of his Aids-de-Camp, regarding with exultation the interesting spectacle. In the back ground the fight was seen to rage in all its fury; while the whole was enveloped in thick lowering clouds, from the top of which burst a ray of light, which, darting upon the figure of the gallant Wel lington, lifted him, as it were, from the scene of car nage with which he was surrounded, and exhibited him to'the full view of the spectator. This piece was entwined with one vast wreath of laurel, and excited universal admiration. THE BANQUET ROOMS. The next source of attraction was the dinner-rooms, from the inspection of which the gratification was not less conspicuous than that experienced in the qua drangle. The Chinese Saloon or Rotunda, was the spot chosen for the head of the tables, and here cer tainly the most magnificent arrangements were made, and a sumptuousness of ornament and decorations was displayed, which was never exceeded in this country. The recess which formed the Orchestra, to the Rotunda, in its original shape, was completely altered, and in the room of the Gallery, for the-mu sicians, was erected a sideboard, formed of successive steps or shelves, reaching to the cieling, and covered with crimson cloth • upon which was e x hibi te d a r i c h and matchless pr ofusion of gold and silver plate, brought thither from Carlton house, in honour of the festival. It was arranged in a pyramidial shape, the apex being formed of a bust of the Marquis of Wel lington; near which was displayed Jourdan's &toe, as. Field Marshal. To give effect to this exhibition, a great body of light was introduced, which had the most fascinating effect. Immediately in the front of this recess was erected a large segicircular platform, with an ascent of two steps, which was also covered with crimson coloured cloth, and upon this was placed a semicircular table, calculated to give accommoda tion to about one hundred persons of distinction. From this table a complete view was had of all the other tables, which proceeded in a direct line from it, through the Picture-room, to the temporary refectory. A magnificent chair was provided for the Duke of YORK, over which was suspended a rich drapery of crimson cloth, and the British. standard. At the back of the chair was stationed two trumpeters, and a grenadier holding the standard of the 100th regi ment of French horse, taken at the battle of Vittoria. This head table was, of course, ornamented with the most costly decorations, being a succession of tri• umphal arches, pillars, and patent lamps. From the Rotunda the tables extended, as we have stated, through the Picture-rooms to the TEMPORARY REFECTORY, Which, for elegance of effect, and for the taste evin ced in us erection, surpassed any thing we could have anticipated. The visitors of the Gardens may recol lect, that in the space between the Painted Room and the Cascade, a semicircular area is formed, which is surrounded by boxes, and in the centre of which stand several lofty trees. The whole of this space was converted into one beautiful room, covered by a canopy formed of innumerable Royal Standards, Union Jacks, and Ensigns, which were so contrived as to form a variegated dome, suspended from, and upheld by the wide-spreading branches of the trees, the green boughs of which occasionally bursting through the roof, had the most enchanting appear ance. From every part of this temporary cieling were hung lustres of matchless elegance, filled with wax tapers, and emitting a blaze of light of the most dazzling description. The base of the dome was formed of festoons most luxuriantly arranged, com posed of silken colours, and interspersed with laurel leaves, which gave an indescribable spirit and anima tion to the whole. The floor upon which the tables were laid was covered with sail-cloth, and thus the effect of any darnpnesss which the ground might have imbibed was totally prevented. The tables and forms were of deals, resting upon tressels, and were all made for the occasion. The knives and forks, and the other table furniture, were of the best qua lity. THE BALL ROOM. The next object that attracted attention was the Ball Room. The Supper Rnom, immediately ad joining the Rotunda, was the place chosen for ar ranging the principal room for dancing, and here a total change was made. A ccmpletc new and ad mirably constructed floor was laid down, new and brilliant lustres were suspended from the ceiling, and the pillars by which the roof is supported were en. twined with Artificial flowers. A temporary latticed door, to ventilate the room, was also broken into the adjoining garden, and, for this branch of the enter tainment, no pains were spared to consult the plea sure and convenience of the guests. THE DARK WALKS. • That part of the Gardens known by the title of the Dark Walks, assumed quite a new aspect, and instead of being wrapped in that gloom which has hitherto characterised them, were rendered as light as day, by the introduction of in immense number of lamps, among the surrounding foliage, and in the several avenues branching from them. The central walk leading to the Portrait of his Majesty, was con verted into an alle veils, or green walk, on each side of Which were double festoons of lamps, while a tem porary fence was formed of laurel boughs, and a great profusion of exotic plants and flowering shrubs, brought hither for the purpose of adding to the ro mantic 'sweetness of the scene. The statue of his Majesty was adorned with laurel, and surrounded by variu•us coloured lamps, forming the letters G. R. the Crown and Triumphal Pillars. On the :cite of the Hermitage, a tasteful little box, with a transparency of Wellington, was erected for Bologna, who during the night continued to exhibit his celebrated fantoccini, for the amusement of the promenader:. Amidst the foliage of the trees, military tents were erected in various directions, and• seats provided to which parties might retire to enjoy the pleaiures of conversation. Other tents were formed over plat forms erected for dancing, and several were devoted to the purposes of refreshment ; giving to the whole an appearance of an encampment in the bosom of a wood. THE PRINCE REGENT'S TENT. On that space which stands in the front of the view of the old ruins, was raised a stage for dancing, and over it wa3 erected a rrugniticent tent, belonging to his Royal Mellen the Prime Regett, limed with rich chintz, and exhibiting a very interesting spectacle. The only part of the Gardens which was at all in darkness was the walk leading to the stage for the fire-works, three distinct exhibitions of which, under the management of Angela, Mortram, and Bologna, senior, were prepared. Having now given 4 cursory view of this fairy scene, we shall proceed to notice the guests, and the general proceedings of the evening. ' As early as four o'clock, carriages, filled with Noblemen and Gentlemen of all ranks and orders, were seen dashing towards the centre of attraction, and all the avenues leading to the Gardens were crowded to excess. The bosom of the Thames, too, was covered with boats, bearing innumerable parties, all hurrying to the sumptuous banquet, and all anxi ous to secure good places —not alone to enjoy the pleasures of the feast, but to participate in those heap-cheering recollections, which the scene into which they were about to enter, was calculated to elicit, and the zest of which the late intelligence from the Peninsula was calculated considerably to heighten. THE DINNER. At half after five o'clock, a company, consisting of upwards of 1200 persons, amongst whom were many of the most distinguished Noblemen in the country, sat down to table, with a degree of order l and regularity which evinced the excellence of the arr..ngements. Immense as was the number to be accommodated, such was the sedulous attention of the Stewards, and so admirably adapted was the cniginal plan, to answer every purpose of comfort and convenience, that, we believe, not a single indi vidual. could be found in this numerous assembly who did no: feel highly gratified by the measures pursued throughout the ',evening to ensure general comfort and harmony. A little before six o'clock, the approach of his Royal Highness the Duke of 'form was announced by the three military bands, who were stationed near the principal entrance of the Gardens, striking up ge The Duke of York's March." In a few minutes afterwards he entered the Rotunda, And took his seat in the centre of the semi-circular table.—Near his Royal Highness we observed— The Dukes of Clarence, Kent, Sussex, Cambridge, rind Glou cester; the Prince of Orange • the Prince de Cond e ; th e D u k e of Bourbon; the Duke d e B erth; the Duke of Brunswick; the Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish Ambassadors; the Earl of Liverpool, Viscount Castlereagh, and many other Noblemen. With the exception of turtle•soup, of which there was a prolusion, the dinner was entirely cold. It con sisted chiefly of fowls, tongues, and hams, with a grout variety of pastry. The wines —Madeira, Claret, Our.. Bundy, and Champaign—were of the fi nest quality, land were mo s t plentifully distributed at the different tables. The dessert consisted of 1701 b. of grapes, at from Bs. to 12.. per pound ; 1601 b. of cherries ; 126 pots of strawberries ; 92 dozen of pears ; 136 dozen of plumbs ; 12 ditto peaches and I°2 ditto nect.rines, at .50s. a dozen—these were for the Duke of York's' table ; 160 pot pines ; 26 large baskets of gooseber ries ; SO ba! kers of currans. Four pounds worth of flowers, and fifteen shillings worth of green leaves, to adorn the tables and dishes. Immediately after dinner, the State Trumpeters, two of whom were placed behind the Duke of Yonx, and two other; at the extremity of the temporary re. fectory, commanded attention and silence by a short flourish on their silver trumpets. The echo through the Gardens had a most delightful eff:ct. Non Nolnt Domino was then sung by Messrs. Taylor, Terrail, Dignum, and several 'other professional gentlemen, who were stationed near the bottom of the picture room. The following toasts were then drank, with three time: three, each of them being preceded by a flourish on the trumpet, which arrested the attention of the company throughout the whole extent of the ban queting-rooms : Toast—" The King,"—which was received with long conti nued plaudits. Song—" GOD save the King ;" in the chorus to %bleb the company joined. '1 oast—" '1 he Prince Repent." Great applause. song—" The Prince And Old England for ever." 'Toast—" The Queen, and the rest of the Ro)al Family." Toast—" he Duke •of York and the Army." Enthusiastic I applause. Song—" Britons strike home." Toast—" The Duke of Clarence and the Isl.ery." Loud cheering. Sting—" Rule Britannia." Toast—" The Marquis of Wellington—•and long may he live to defeat the enemies of his country." It is almost unneces sary to observe,.sbat this toast was received with the most ardent demonstrations of pleasure. Song—" See the conqu'ring hero comes." Toast—" Sir Thomas Graham. the Officers and Privates of our brave Army in the Peninsula." Toast—" General Beresford aad the Portuguese Army." Toast--" Slips, colonies, and commerce." Toast—" The brave Spanifis, Portuguese, and German Pa- triots, who are now in arms against French domination " Toast —" Those Foreign Ambassadors, Ministers, and Offi cers, who have honoured this festival with their presence." Toast—" The Foreign Princes who are pr , sent this day." Toast—" Ferdinand VU. and the cause of Spain." Toast—" The Prince Regent of Portugal." Toast—" The Emperor of Russia." Toast—" The King of Prussia." Toast—" The King of Swedes" Toast—" The Crown Prince of Sweden, and the brave Swr di.h Army."_. Toast—" The Grand Seignior." Toast—" 1 he Princess Charlotte of Wales, and the fair visi tors whom we expect this even ng."—Thunders of applause. Shortly after eight o'clock, his R0y..1 Highness the Duke of YORs quitted the Chair, and was accom panied by a great body of Nobility and Gentry, to THE PROMENADE, Which presented one of the most fascinating scenes we ever witnessed. The rich uniforms of the military and naval Officers, great numbers of whom honoured the gardens with their presence, mingled with the light and tasteful draperies of the Ladies, who, so early as nine o'clock, began to appear in numerous groupes, had a singularly beautiful effect—whitc satin dresses, trimmed at the bottom with rich lace, and ornamented, in front, with real laurel leaves, formed the prevailing costume of the ladies. As the number of female visitors increased, the Gardens,,as sumed a still more gay and animated appearance.— Some were attracted by the delicacies with which the refreshment boxes, extending round a great part of the Garden, tempted the appettte ; others, in the choler and more shady walks, where seats had been placed for their accommodation, amused themselves by con versing with their friends, or by viewing, at a distance, the moving panorama. The politeness and attention, which marked the demeanour of the Stewards, in the early part of the evening, were now redoubled ; and many a fair one would have been unable to di►cover the piny to which oho intended to attach herself, but for their gallant exertions. At eleven o'clock, the discharge of a gun an. nounced the exhibition of • THE FIRE-WORKS. A general press took place towards the spot whet! the genius of tyrotechity was about to be displayed. A great number of beautiful devices were represea. ted in flames of the most various and vivid hues. The cypher of the Marquis of Wellington and of the Duke of York were formed in a very brilli.mt t4yle. Temples, pillars, stars, and rockets succeeded; the whole west off with great eclat. THE PRINCESS OF WALES. At twelve o'clock her Royal Highnesss the Prin. eess of Wales, attended by Colonel St. Ledger, Lady Charlotte Lindsay, and Lady Glenbereie, entered the Gardens. She was received by the Duke cl Glou cester, who shewed her the decorations, but did not introduce her to the dinner-rooms. Her Royal Highness was not at first recognized; but upon its being known that she was present, the workings of curic.sity were strongly evinced in all quarters, and her footsteps were soon impeded by the immense crowds which flocked around her, anxious to pay her the homage of personal respect, which was Nati bited in the most marked manner by every indivi dual Whom chance or design placed in her route.— Her Royal Highness, by tier general demeanour and courtesy, proved the sincere pleasute she derived from her very flattering reception. Having once prom!. naded round the Gardens, the Duke of Gloucester took his leave, and she proceeded, accompanied only by her own attendants, to make a second circuit, in the course of which she entered into familiar conver sation with several of her friends, whom she met in her walk. At onP o'clock' her Royal Highness took her departure, highly pleased at the splendid specta cle which sl:c had a itnessed. • THE DUCHESS OF YORK. Soon after the departure of the Princess of Wales,. the Duchess of York was announced, and, attended by the Duke of Clarence, she pursued a 'track simi lar to that taken by the Princess. Lady C. Camp. bell, and a vast number of females of distinction, af terwards entered the Gardens, and,. by the elegance of their attire, added to the splendour of the scene. The hour of two had elapsed before all the guests had alighted from their carriages, and, at that time, the crowd war so great in every direction, that coasider. able difficulty was felt in moving from one source of attraction to the other. The Rotunda, Picture•room, and Ball-room, especially, were thronged to excess; and those who could obtain refreshment or a seat, seemed to feel themselves particularly fortunate. Although all the Ladies were clad in dancing costume, the genius of the " li g h t f antast i c toe ," an d the lively notes of the bands, which were playing in every corner, had not induced them to commence this favourite exercise at four o'clock, at which time the gardens were as full as at any former period of the night. After this time a few country dances, were gone down, but the amusement was by no means ge neral. The company began to depart at five, but at six not more than one halt had been, able to reach their can iages. To give a list of the high Personages who honoured this truly magnificent festival with their presence, is more than our limits will at present permit; hut our Readers may form some judgment at the humber that were present, when they learn that fit one retied of the evening, a line cf carriages, filled wi.h temame of first rate fashion and rank, reached aim ti.e t. p ctt the Haymarket to the Gardens' Gates. The c , ntiitAon arising from such an immenseconcom se was' I ‘i ui se great ; and so impatient Mere son.e I.i the lair belle: to reach their destination, that they quitter: their voiture: on Westrr inster Bridge, and at ott.er places, and walked to the Gardens, where they were real ired, as we have already stated, with the utmost g illantry by the Stewards. • Among the Ladies, the most prevailing costume was white satin. White muslin and crape dresses, looped up at the bottom with artificial flowers, and with full sleeves, were also much worn. White satin shoes were almost universal. The head-dresses were. among the younger branches of time Bello:, their own hair, tastefully dressed with full ringlets, and inter woven with artificial and real flowers Among the more sedate, turbans and ostrich feathers were much in favour. The Gentlemen were all in evening dress. Cha peaux brat were universal, and scarce one appeared without latchets or buckles, both in the knees of the small clothes, and the shoes. The Stewards wore small white ribbons at the but- ton-holes of their coats, ornamented with a laurel-leaf. We have already noticed the great attention p 'id by the Stewards to the Company presei,t. Sir CHANLES FLINT, who acted as their Secretary on the occasion, also contributed greatly, by the urbanity of his manners and the most zealous attentions of all descriptions, to the agreeable sensations excited by the festive scene. The weather was particularly propitious, and the whole concluded without one single circumstance, that we heard of, to detract from the harmony of the night. THE PENINSULA.—No Map of Spain—no plan of the ground on which the gloriGus Battles of Vimiera, Talavera, Salamanca, and Vittoria, were fought— not even the modest Official Details of the great WELLINGTON himself, can so adequately delineate the transcendant military genius which has directed all the Campaigns in the Peninsula, as the new Game intitled a The Anima,la," just invented and sold by J. Buckland, Brook -street, Holborn ; and mly be had at all the fashionable Toy Shops in 'Town and Conn try.—We recommend it to the Public cs the best and most instructive amusement for all classes and ages since the 'invention of the noble Game of Chess. Her Royal Highness the Princess of WALES at tends the LANCASTERIAN Lacruan at the City of London Tavern, To-morrow, at Twelve o'Clock. A numerous company are expected to. welcome her Royal Highness to a banquet of benevolence. RowING Mercer.—Yesterday the Prize Wherrn, given by the Gentlemen of the Funny Club, was rowed-for by seven pairs of oars, and won by Robert Jones and John Hunt, cf Stangate and Peyer-alley. It was an excellent contest, and much real pleasure was enjoyed by a vast body of per,ons on the river. Bands of music on the water, and us the gardens, made the whole scene delightful. i 1