The National Register.
London, England, 1812-08-23 00:00:00

THE NATIONAL REGISTER.

ILLUAIIN.472-ONS, 4c.

On Monday night, a g•neral awl brilliant illumination took place,
accompanied with the most genuine and unmixed demonstrations of
j.)y on the part of the public, in commemoration of the splendid vic—
tory of Salamanca. The public offices were con:piculously lighted
up on the occasion, and " WELLINGTON" in all the blaze and bril-
liancy of illumination, shone i►n every street, whilst the air resounded
with acclamations and cries of the illustrious hero's name.

Lord Wellesley went out on Monday night, in a plain carriage, to
view the illuminations, and near the Admiralty was recognised by the
people, who proposed to draw his carriage, which he endeavoured to
dissuade them from carrying into effect, excusing himself with many
expressions of thanks. They suffered him to proceed towards White-
hall, but on his return to Charing-cross they took off his horses, and
drew his carriage along the Strand, Fleet-street, &c. to St. Paul's and
the Mansion-house, and back again by the way of Pall Mall, St.
James's-street, and Piccadilly, to A psley-house. The carriage was
followed by an immense crowd, who halted frequently for the purpose
of cheering the name of Lord Wellington, and of haranguing Lord
Wellesley in the language of warm congratulation. His Lordship
repeatedly addressed the multitude. He stared shortly, but with
great fierce, the eminent services of his gallant brother in India as well
as in Europe, and the prominent features of his character, which had
obtained for him the unanimous esteem and love of his army, and the
applause which his countrymen were then bestowing upon him.—
They might applaud him, he said, for his attention to the comfort,
and wants of his men,—his care of his wounded,—his attention to the-
sufferings of our allies,—and his humanity to the enemy when subdued
or captured. _ _ _

On arriving at A psley-house, Lord Wellesley took leave by return.
irg thanks ter the gratifying marks of attention he had received;
assuring them at the same time, that he had not the vanity to apply
them in the smallest degree to himself personally. Upon which the
mob shouted, " we mean them for you too." " 1 receive them then."
said Lord W. " as the most unequivocal proofs of public spirit—of
zealous attachment for your Prince—of loyalty to
.your King—and of
love for the true interests of your country. 1 receive them as a most'
grt:fying proof of your opinion, that the services of Lord Wellington,
of myself, and of my family, have always been directed to maintain
the honour and dignity of the Crown, and to the promotion of your
best interests."

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings the illuminations were re-
newed, and the demonstrations of joy were universal. The windows
of several persons, who omitted to illuminate, were broken by the
mob. Among the transparencies attracting notice, was one at Mr.
Steul's, a butcher, in Charles-street, Westminster, having the words,
" Fat and lean for Englishmen, and BON v-parte fur Frenchmen."
The respectable part of the community, in several parts of the town,
were prevented from enjoying the sight of the illumination, anel parti-
cipating in the general joy that prevailed on Monday night, by a set ut
idle apprentice boys, and fellows of the lowest description, who were
continually letting eV fireworks, firing off blunderbusses, mus9uets,
and pistols, among crowds of spectators, who were quietly gazing at'
the illuminations. A musquet burst in Spring-gardens, opposite the.
Spanish Ambassador's house, but we did not hear of any serious mis-
chief being done. The most outrageous conduct took place in St.
James's-street and Piccadilly, in both of which places most of the
houses were extremely well lighted; and this scene continued till near
one o'clock, when most of the families went to hed; however, soon
after that time, an immense mob came calling out for lights, which
had but a little time before been burning brilliantly ; the inhabitants
got from their beds, and chewed candles in their night linen only ; this
did not satisfy the mob, who began to I itmolish the wind° vs with
sticks, brick-bats, stones, &c. Some r nes in Mr. Coutts's house,
which cost 41. 10s. a square, were bi, ke: several windows in Sir
Francis Butdett's were demolished. 'I his disgraceful scene lasted!
till past three o'clock. The damage c oue is estimated at sor 6001.
Bacon, and his party of the patrole, were stationed in that n,:ighbour..
hood to keep order; but the mob was so large, that it was impossible
to repress it. however, they butt upon three of the ringleaders,who
were particularly active in throwing brick-bats and stones, and ar a
convenient opportunity seized them ; when there was a. general sirg