The Express.
London, England, 1863-03-07 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 7,

SECOND EDITION.

EXPRESS OFFICE, Saturday, 6 p.m.

THE LANDING, ANIS JOURNEY
FROM GRAVESEND TO LONDON.

(FROM OUR OWN REPORTERS)

The first incident that attracted attention at
Gravesend this morning was the rapid passage up the
river of the Osborne, at about 10 o'clock,freighted,sa
it was understood, with the baggage of the Princess
Alexandra. Shortly afterwards the thunder of the
Emerald's guns announced theapproach of the Black
Eagle, having for itacargo the Lords of the Admiralty
and a numerous party of their friends. The bustle
of arrivals on the pier was briskly sus-
, taiued, and much excitement was created by
the approach of the chosen band of young
ladies who were to strew flowers in the path of the
expected illustrious visitors. Their appearance
indicated the judiciousness with which the selec-
tion had been made, as it would have been
hard indeed to find a fairer bevy of young
damsels anywhere in England—out of it
that would be impossible. I was glad to perceive
that the warning caused by the casualties at the
Princess Royal's reception had not been thrown
away, as the young ladies all wore mantles over
their light bridesmaids' costume. This, combined
with the mildness of the weather, removed all ap-
prehension on their account.
Amongst the earlier arrivals on the pier
were Mr. Espinasse, the Judge of the
County Court, and Mr. Grady, the Re-
corder of Gravesend. The indispensable Mr.
Sharland, the active, intelligent, and courteous
town clerk, was of course in übiquitous attendance,
assisting everybody and correcting mistakes in
every direction. The pier had now become gaily
sprinkled with military and naval uniforms, and
amongst others an officer of the Danish Guards, as
was supposed, excited considerable curiosity.
At a quarter past 11 the artillery from the man-
of-war in the offing and the simultaneous manning
of their yards announced the near approach of the
royal squadron. The excitement on the pier now
bean to culminate, the ladies rising in their seats,
and straining their sight to catch a glimpse of the
water pageant. The Mayoress, Mrs. Sams, ad-
vanced to the front of the platform, being provided
with a very elegant bouquet which she was to have
the honour of presenting to the Princess. The
river, thronged with steamers and other vessels
gaily decked with flags, now presented
a most animated appearance. As the royal yacht
Victoria and Albert gracefully rounded to, a dozen
bands might be heard pealing forth " Rule Bri-
tannia," alternated with another air, which, amid
the strife of enthusiastic sounds, was conjectured
to be the national air of Denmark.

At half-put 11, when the weather was quite fine,
the yacht bearing the royal bride lay alongside the
pier at Gravesend. " God save the Queen "
was played by the bands, and frequent bursts of
cheers echoed along the river. The Princess
advanced towards the bulwark on the river side
and gracefully acknowledged this commencement
of her reception by the English nation. The
spontaneousness of this response to the universal
greeting captivated all hearts, and was an auspi-
cious inauguration of her royal highness's acquaint-
ance with the British public.
At ten minutes to twelve his Royal Highness
the Prince of Wales entered the Terrace-pier, and
immediately proceeded through the long aisle of
young ladies before mentioned, stationed on either
side. He immediately went on board, and enter-
ing the door of the cabin on deck, where the Prin-
cess Alexandra met him,he gallantly kilned her royal
highness in view of the spectators in front of the
pier, who set up a cheer at this simple lover-like
incident.

An interval of several minuteeelapsed before the
royal landing took place.
This interval was enlivened by the appearance on
the pier of a young sister and brother, of the Prin.
cas, the former apparently about ten, and the lat-
ter about six years of age. They both seemed
delighted at the vista of the pier, and conversed
with some of the principal personages in atten-
dance.

The Prince of Wales, with the Princess leaning
on his right arm, came on shore at twenty
minutes past 12 They were most heartily greeted.
A glance at her royal highness justified and dir
tanned all the praise previously bestowed
upon her personal charms. There were uni-
versal expressions of admiration, her coun-
tenance and carriage being equally attractive.
It may be added that the Princess's complexion is
fair, though by no means to excess, and her eyes
and features generally animated, and that scarcely
one of the photographs, so familiar to the public,
does anything like justice to the original. As the
royal pair entered the enclosed part of the space,
the Mayoress, Mrs. Sams, who was ele-
gantly attired, presented to the Princess
Alexandra a beautiful bouquet, which was moat
graciously accepted. While her royal highness
was proceeding to the carriage a good opportunity
was afforded of observing her attire. It consisted
of a purple velvet mantle, trimmed with sable,
white bonnet trimmed with mauve, and a silk
dram of a very pale slate oolour—an Irish tabinet
—a sable muff, and pale lavender-coloured gloves.
The flowers strewed in the path of the
Princess seemed to afford her much gratification,
and she smilei pleasingly on the young florists.

Several royal carriages were in attend-
ance to convey the royal party and suite
to the railway station. The first carriage was
occupied by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the
Princess 'Myra, her royal highness's sister, and one
of her brothers.

The procession through the town was one con-
tinued demonstration of affectionate welcome—a
fitting precursor of the reception awaiting her
royal highness in the metropolis.
The station was reached at about 20 minutes to
one. The guard of honour consisted of detachments
of the 81st Regiment and the Royal Marines, and
a large body of the Kentish Volunteers.
The band of the Royal Marines played
the " Wedding March" as the royal cortege
approached. Inside the station was a train,
consisting of nine carriages, the centre one
being a state carriage designed for the
Prince of Wales and the illustrious traveller.,
Behind this was a second state carriage for the

accommodation of such members of the royal party
as there was not room for in the one preceding it.
On the platform of the station were a number of
persons of note in the county. Among them was
Lord Sydney, the Lord Lieutenant, with whom the
Princess heartily shook bands just before ascending
the carriage.

The tram left the Gravesend stallion at nine
minutes to one ; and at every station on the jour-
ney to London, which occupied about fifty

minutes, the welcome waa most enthusiastic ; while
at certain points the effect was enhanced by salutes
of artillery.
All the railway arrangements for the oc-
tagon reflect great credit on the ma-
nager of the South Eastern Railway, Mr.
Eborall, who was most efficiently aided by Mr.
Portch, the station master at Gravesend.
The police arrangements at Gravesend were also
most admirable, under the management of the
superintendent, Mr. White, ably assisted by his son,
Mr. W. F. White.

ARRIVAL AT THE BRICKLAYERS' ARMS.

Precisely at twenty minutes to 2--about a quarter
of an hour before the expected time—the royal train
arrived at this station, in charge of Mr. Eborall,
Mr. Knight, and the chairman of the company,
the Hon. Mr. Byng. The station was moat taste-
fully decorated, the long platform being covered
with crimson cloth and rich carpeting—the spaces
between the windows of the offices being ornamented
with statues and shrubs lent by the Crystal Palace
Company. The roof was festooned with flowers,
evergreens, and coloured linen, and the arches of
the distant engine-house were completely covered
with evergreens. Outside the station, in the large
yard belonging to the South-Eastern Company.
reserved seats, decorated in harmony with
the interior of the buildings, were erected for a
large and brilliant company. The old gateway was
turned into a handsome triumphal arch, bearing
the inscription " Welcome," and the court-yard
was thickly covered with gravel. The principal
officers of the company—Mr. Brady, Mr. Mealy,
Mr. Noden, Mr. Cockburn, and Mr. Shoosmith—
were on duty, wearing favours, and the troops
at the station were under the command of Colonel
Sir David Wood, K.C.8., Royal Horse Artillery ;
Major-General Cranford commanded the in-
fantry, and Major-General Lawrenson com-
manded the cavalry. The bands in attendance
played inspiriting music for several hours, much
to the enjoyment of the large company assembled,
which consisted chiefly of ladies.
The Duke of Cambridge and Sir George Grey
arrived about half-past one, and were on the
platform ready to receive the royal train, with Sir
Richard Mayne, Mr. Layard, &o. The decorated
engine drove into the station close to the
seats containing the visitors, and when the Prince
of Wales and the Princess Alexandra descended
from their carriage they were received with the
heartiest cheers. The Princess wore a plain grey
silk travelling dress, and a purple plush cloak.
She looked a little nervous, but gratified at
the warmth of her reception. She is decidedly
pretty and has an amiable pensive look. She was
accompanied by her mother and father. As soon
as she arrived opposite the entrance of the recep-
tion-room, on the arm of the Prince of Wales, the
Hon. Mrs. Byng presented her with an enormous
bouquet—so large u to cause some merriment
amongst the royal party. The outer reception
rooms were lined with another favoured party
of female spectators, and the carpeted floor
was crowded with the directors of the
company, the aides-de-camp of the Duke of Cam-
bridge, the Lord Chamberlain, a host of officials,
lords, and generals. An inner room, richly
furnished, was reserved as a luncheon
apartment, and a room beyond was tastefully
fitted up as a boudoir for the Princess. The luncheon
was very hurriedly served, and the half-dozen
addresses presented amidst what would vulgarly be
called a "hubbub," and precisely at two the Duke of
Cambridge led the way to the carriages, and the
procession was formed. When the Prince and
Princess came forward they presented themselves
once more at the door of the reception-room
looking on to the platform, and were re-
ceived with another hearty round of cheers. This
seemed to give the Princess confidence, and the
Prince of Wales interpreting her wishes—and
yielding to the wishes of the enthusiastic
audience, led her up the inclined footway on to
the platform—when the cheering was renewed with
redoubled vigour. The royal pair (the Windsor
pair, as they are called in punning street ballads)
then withdrew bowing into the other reception
room, and passed to their carriage out of a side
door. The proaession was formed with all speed,
and they left the station at a good pace about 5
minutes past 2, amidst a tempest of cheering. The
weather, which had been very loyal up to that moment,
suddenly played fake; and poured a smart shower
upon the procession and the multitude. And it
was a multitude ! Anything more provokingly
good-humoured and desperately bent upon seeing
all at the risk of life and limb—anything more
regardless of policemen's truncheons, the butt-ends
of muskets, or even bayonets—was never seen
on the " other side of the water." The
shrieks of women and children were heard high
above the peals of bells and the clashing
of military bands. The line was broken several
times by the irruption of the fierce eager crowds.
The following is the list of the procession
Mounted Police Cannabis' to clear the way.
A Military Bend.
000B8' COMPANY.
- - - - -

The Master sod Wardens She Company in a carriage
drawn by four borer, with postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company.

CARPENTERS' COMPANY.

The Muter aed Wardens of ticeCOnipany in a carriage
drawn by four hones, with pastillas; dressed in the
colours of the Compaq.

CaftDLEEtS' COMPANY.

Banner of theOnaipanyiinns.
The Master and Warless of the Company in • carriage
drawn by four hems, with postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company.
TALLOW-CHANDLERS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the Arms of Mr. Alderman Humphery.
Banner of the Arms of tfr. Alderman Hale.
Bennet' of the Arnie of Thomas Farnoomb, Faq., late
Alderman.
The Muter and Warden. of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four horses, with postilions dressed in the
colours of the Compuy.
CLOTHWOREERS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the Arms of H.R.H. the late Prince Consort.
Banner of the Arms of the late Countess of Kent.
Banner of the Arms of Sir John Musgrove, Bart.
Banner of the Arms of Mr. Alderman Humphery.
Banner of the Arms ot the Watermen's Company.
Banner of the Arms of the Watermen's Company.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company.
VINTNER'S COMPANY.
The Royal Standard.
Banner of the tlomprey's Arms.
Banner of the Vintners' Royalty (a Swan).
Banner of St. Meuse (the Patron Saint).
Butter of Bacchus in • chariot.
Banner of the Arnie of the late Alderman Lucas.
Banner of the Arms of the late Alderman Farebrother.
Banner of the Arms of the late Alderman Hooper.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company.
IRONMONGERS' COMPANY.
The Royal Standard.
The Union Jack.
Two Banners of the City Arms.
Two Banters of the Company's Arms.
Banner of Bt. Law/sees (the Patron Saint).
Banner of the Arras of the late Alderman Thompson.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company,
SALTERS' COMPANY.
Two Bums of the Company's Arms.
The Bridle of the Salters' Company bearing his Staff of
Mee.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a carriage
Lawn by fear horses, with two postilions dressed in the
outous of the Company.

HABERDASHERS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the Arms of Denmark.
Banner of the Arms of his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales.
The Master and Wardens of the Company In a
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed
Dolours of the Company.
MERCHANT TAYLOBS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Arms of his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales.
Banner of the Arms of her Royal Highness the Princes.
Alexandra of Denmark.
Banner of the City Arms.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
The Union Jack.
The Royal Standard.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in • mint
drawn by four horses, with two postis dressed in
colours of the Company,
SKINNERS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the Company's Crest.
Banner of the Prince of Wales's Festliam.
Banner of the Prince of Wales's Feathers.
Banner of the Arms of Denmark.
Banner of the Arms of Deamark.
The Royal Standard.
The Royal Standard.
The Master and Wardens of the Com ny in •
drawn by four hones, with two • dremedelfre%
colours of the Company.
GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the City Arms.
Banner of the Arms of the late Sir Martin Rowe.
Banner of the Arms of Sir Hugh Myddleten.
Banner of the Arms of Mr. Alderman Copeland.
The Royal Standard.
The Prime Warden and Wardens of the Company in a car-
riage drawn by four horses, with two postilions droned in
the colours of the Company.
FISHMONGERS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Company's ATOLL
Banner of the Arms of the late Sir Matthew Wood.
Banner of the Arms of Wm. Cubitt,FALLP.,late Alderman.
Banner of the City
Banner of the Arms of HAUL the late Prince Consort.

The Unica Jack.
------
The Royal Standard.
The Prime Warden and Wardens of the Company in a car-
riage drawn by four hones, with two pestilion dressed in
the colours of the Company.
DRAPERS' COMPANY.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed in the
colours of the Company.
GROOMS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Prince of Wales's Feathers.
The Standard of Denmark.
The Royal Standard.
Banner of the Company's Arms.
Banner of the City Arms.
Banner of the Marquis Cornwallis.
Banner of the Arms of J. E. Goodhart, Fag.
Banner of St. Anthony.
The Muter and Warden, of the Company in a carriage
drawn by four bones, with two postihous dressed in the
odours of the Company.

ILEICiRS' COMPANY.
Banner of the Compsny's Arms.
The Royal Standard.
Banner of the Oity Arms.
Banner of the Arms of Lord Hill.
Banner of the Arms of the late Sir Richard Whittington.
Banner of the Arms of the late Sir Thomas Gresham.
Banner of the Arms of the late Alderman Newnham.
The Master and Wardens of the Company in a
drawn by four horses, with two postilions dressed=
oolours of the Company.
A Military Band.
The Commissioners of Lieutenancy of the Oity of London
is carriage.
Watermen bearing the Banner/ of the City of London.
A Military Band.
The Officers of the Corporation of Loudon in earrUges.
The Members of the Conn of Comma Council in carriages.
A Military Band.
The Deputy-Chairman and Members of the Royal Reception
Committee in carriages.
The Under-Sheriffs in carriages.
The Sheriffs of Loudon and Middlesex in their carriages drawn
by four horses.
The Aldermen who have not pumped the chair, in their
carriages.
The Recorder in his carriage.
The Aldermen who have passed the chair in their carriage..
The Lord Mayor's Servants in State Liveries.
Three Trumpeters.
The City Nankai on horseback.
The Right Honourable the Lord Mayer in his State carriage
drawn by six hones, attended by the Swordbearer and
Common Crier.