The Sun.
London, England, 1864-10-06 00:00:00

down, commanding a view over Lake Maelar and the
adjoining country; the walls are panelled after the
fashion of the day, the ceiling is paints i in fresco,
and the woodwork carved with bnnc its of fruits
and flowers, The King, for such he NC a, had his
bad in one of the deep recesses of t l indows, and
the Queen, refusing to leave his side, ti ough offered
palaces and revenues if she would consent to do so,
give birth here to her son Sigismund— a name that
figured in later years so prominently in the history
of Poland. In another and smaller recess, imme-
diately opposite the King's bed, the cot of the child
appears to have been prepared. When John obtained
his liberty, and Eric was in turn incarcerated in the
same building., his treatment was by no means as
lenient. In a higher story of the captives' tower this
unfortunate ex-King was placed in an inner chamber
of circular form, with a low roof, lighted by three
small apertures and secured by a double door, the
outer one of iron, the inner one of wood, with a
small triangular slit to pass his food. The three
apertures looked out into the open air, but into an
outer gallery, and round this the sentinel paced
incessantly to and fro. Watching for the sig-
nals with which his wife came to comfort him,
and waiting for the deliverance that never came, a
hole was worn in the bricks at one particular wind
dow by the elbows of the unhappy King, and a
spot in the flooring is shown that was hollowed by
his feet. This is the description, in his own words,
of the condition to which he was reduced, "No day
has passed without some insult or injury—suffering
from cold, hunger, stench, and drunkenness—fol-
lowed about with drawn swords, intruded upon
during the night," After a miserable imprison-
ment at Gripsholm and elsewhere for eight years,
his life was terminated by poisoning in the year
1577. Many nations would have levelled with the
ground the castle, or, at any rate, the tower con-
nected with which there are these deplorable ease.
ciations. Sweden, however, has such a glorious
past that she can afford to let the truth be known
with regard to this melancholy passage of her his.
tory. The pictures in this castle would require at
least a week to examine them carefully. They are
about 2,000 in number, the gems of the collection
being the likeness of Marie Antoinette and her
children, one of the only two undoubted portraits of
that unhappy Queen; the lifessize painting of Gus-
tavus 111. and his three brothers; and the picture
by Velasquez of Philip IV. on horseback, These
three are works of art of such undoubted merit that
it is contemplated and almost decided to remove
them to the Museum at Stockholm. Two or three of
these Sallee des conteinporains of which the Swedish
monarchs were so fond are met with at this Palace.
The most interesting is the collection made in the
lifetime of Gustavus 111. His contemporaries in-
cluded, by a curious coincidence, George 111. of
England and Charles 111, of Spain, and in his time
also the two female Sovereigns who have written
their names so plainly on the page of history,
Maria Theresa of Austria and Catherine of
Russia, were in the plenitude of their power.
Among the pictures to which Swedish visitors
attach greatest interest, are those of Linnaeus, and
of an artist orator in the house of peasants, who is
represented in the costume which he wore habitu-
ally. English eyes will be attracted by some excel-
lent pictures illustative of their own history ; among
others, by likenesses of Cromwell and of Charles 1.,
in both of which there is probably greater cha-
racter than in any which have become established
favourites at home.
There is also a painting of Queen Elizabeth, sent
by herself to the Swedish Court in one of her mo-
ments of tenderness, as to the authenticity of which
no doubt can be entertained, for the correspon-
dence to which it gave rise was instrumental in
discovering that the Swedish monarch had two
strings to his bow. The Swedish version of Anna
Boleyn's features is so opposed to all preconceived
ideas that it must be received with a considerable
amount of caution, In addition to the collection
of pictures, some of which connect themselves with
the very earliest times of Swedish history, the State
apartments are filled with objects of traditional in-
terest—chests in which the dowry of Queens has
found its way to Sweden, tapestries whose colours
call to mind some of the tints of Rubens, The very
sconces upen the Stairs are of repousse silver, The

Royal party which reached Gripshoim at 4 o'clock,
spent two hours and a half in going over the
building, and shortly before 7 proceeded to the
dinner-room, a fine antique apartment, with walls
and ceiling of pine, without other ornaments than
the pictures on the walls, and a few gilt crowns
dotted in here and there to lighten what would
otherwise have been the sombre tffi-ct of the wood-
work. On the way to the dinner-room, in ac-
cordance with the Swedish custom, trays con-
taining bread, butter, caviare, atd other provoca-
tives to appetite wore handed round with the in-
dispensable accompaniment of little glasses of
brandy. All Swedish dinners commence after this
fashio❑ ; at On hotels even, side tables are laid out
and cartes drawn up with a view to these prelimi.
'aeries, and it would have been an offence to the
genius loci to omit such an observance at Gripsholm.
After dinner the Prince and Princess of Wales pro-
ceeded to apartments prepared for their accommo-
dation, where, with the members of the Royal

family whose guests they were, they held a species
of friendly reception, and shortly before 9 o'clock
the whole party re-embarked in the Arboga with
a view of returning to Stockholm. RA lights had
been fixed to the walls of the Castle, which showed
the outlines of the towers wonderfully well, and, as
the surrounding darkness was intensified by this
illumination, blue lights were burnt to point cut the
way on board the vessel. In compliment to the
illustrious excursionists two or three of the largest
chateaux on the edge of Lake Maelar were bril-
liantly lighted by their proprietors about the time
at which it was know❑ that the steamer would re-
turn. This facility in handling torches is charac-

teristic of the Northern people, and appears to run
through all their important proceedings. After
dusk, whenever the King or Prince Oscar drives
abroad, a horseman with a finning brand rides in
advance of the cortege, and it would be difficult for
one who has not actually seen the effect produced
by this simple arrangement to form to himself a
just conception of the dignity and authority implied
in the display.

The Royal party reached Stockholm shortly after
half-past 11 o'clock p.m., and driving straight to the
Palace, the King of Sweden, Prince Oscar, and his
Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, with the gene
tlemen of their suite, proceeded, after a delay of not
more than an hour, to the railway station, where a
special train was in readiness to convey them to one
of the northern forests, where, it is hoped, they will
succeed in hunting some elks. A number of these
animals are known to be within the limits of the
enclosure, but this is of enormous size • report
speaks of something like an extent of 12:lee leagues.
About six hours will be required for the journey,g.
and sleeping accommodation was therefore provided
in the carriages. After the fatigue which they
must undergo in the forest, the Royal party no doubt
will again gladly avail themselves of these couches
on their way back. They are looked for again in
Stockholm on to-morrow (Saturday) morning, upon
which day a review may possibly take place, to be
followed by a dinner at the Chateau of Haga, the
residence of the Princo Augustus and the Princess
Theresa. In the evening there is to be a grand
representation of Faust at the theatre, and after the
conclusion of the opera, which their Royal High-
nesses the Prince and Princess of Wales will honour
with a visit, they will be present for a short time
at a soiree given by the Count de Scheel-Plessen,
Minister for Danmark, and the Countess Plessen,
Sunday will be passed in the family circle, and early
on Monday morning their Royal Highnesses will
leave for Gottenbarg by special train and embark on
board the Osborne for Denmark the same evening.
Prince Oscar of Sweden will accompany the Prince
and Princess of Wales as far as Oottenburg, and
before their final departure from Fredensborg it is

expected that he will join their family circle in
Danmark for a few days.

Yesterday while the Royal party and the members
of the diplomatic corps were enjoying themselves in
one direction at Gripsholm, the heads of the Swedish
Naval Department went on board the Aurora to
invite the officers of the British fleet to an ex.
cursion to the Djurgard, or Deer-park, one of the
great objects of ;attraction at Stockholm, They

were received with the fall honours of a salute and
yards manned, and their invitation, it is needless to
add, was gratefully accepted_ It is said, and no
doubt with truth, that no other capital in Europe
possesses a park so highly picturesque us this, and
the excursion being organised with the same ads
mirable foresight that has characterised all the fetes
give❑ during the stay of the Prince and Princess it
naturally afforded the most perfect satisfaction to
all those who were privileged to share in it.
On the night of the ball at Drottingholm there
was no time to do more than allude to the gala
dinner which preceded it, given by her Majesty the
Queen-Mother. The entertainment was one of great
magnificence, and was given in thegallery of pictures
illustrative of the battles of Charles X. Covers were
laid for 60 persons. The king gave his arm to the
Princess of Wales, who had on her right the Prince
Oscar. The Queen-Mother was led to the dinner
table by the Prince of Wales. On the right of the
Queen Mother the Queen of Sweden was placed,
who was conducted to table by the Prince Augustus.
On the left of the King the Princess Theresa, wife
of Prince Augustus, was placed. She was led down
to dinner by the Prince John of Glucksburg. On
the right of Prince Oscar Lady Spencer was placed,
conducted to table by the Count Manderstrom. The
Hon. Mrs. Grey sat on the left of Prince Augustus,
having been brought down by Count Sparre,Grand
Marshal of the Kingdom of Sweden. To the left of
the Prince of Wales Countess Bonde, Grande Mai-
tresse of the Queen's Court, was placed, conducted
by Earl Spencer. To the left of Prince John of
Gluckshurg Countess Skioldebrand, Grand Mai.
tresse of the Court of the Queen.. Mother, was seattd
conducted to table by General Knollys. During
the dinner the band of the 2d Regiment of Guards
played a selection of music.

The ball which took place the same evening com-
menced with a Polonaise. In the opening quadrille
the following personages of distinction took part :
The Queen with his Royal Highness the Prince of
Wales danced vis a vis to Commander Suttie, R.N.,
and the Hon. Mrs Grey. The Princess of Wales
with Prince Oscar vis-a-vis to the Baron Bildt,
Governor of Stockholm, and his partner; Princess
Theresa and Colonel Keppel vis-a-vis to Baron
Ehrensborgh, Chamberlain to the Queen-Mother,
and Madame de Martino, wife of the secretary to
the Italian Embassy; the King of Sweden with
Lady Spencer vis-a-vis to M. Dutreil, secretary to
the French Embassy, and Mademoiselle der Wedel
Jarlsberg ; the Prince of Glucksburg and the Coun-
tess Frolich vis-a-vis to M. de Shunck, officer d'Etat
Major, and Mademoiselle de Fabraus.

In the course of the 6vening the Prince of Wales
also danced in quadrilles with Madame Fournier,
i'Ambassadrice de France ; and the Countess Bonde,
nee Maryatt. His Royal Highness waltzed with
the Princess Theresa, Countess Frolich, and Coun-
tess Anna Hamilton ; took part in a cotilion with
the Countess of Scheel-Plessen, and in a polka with
Mademoiselle Augusta Bonde, whose mother before
her marriage was the Lady Augusta Fitzclarence.
Besides the opening quadrille her Royal Highness
the Princess of Wales danced with the Prince
Augustus of Sweden and Baron Bildt ; waltzed
with the King, Count Conrad de Rosen, and M.
Fisherstrom, Ecuyer de Roi, and took part in a co-
tillon with M. Aminoff, Chamberlaine de Service to
the Queen.. Mother.

This evening (Friday) the Princess of Wales,
with her ladies in waiting, dined at the Castle of
Uirichsaal, with the Queen of Sweden, where the
Princess Theresa likewise spent the evening.
ELSINORE, Wednesday, 5 p.m.
The Royal party landed here at 4 o'clock, leav-
ing, Prince Oscar at Helcingborg, in Sweden.

The King and Crown Prince met them here,
They had an excellent reception.

Naval and Military Intelligence,

A circular memorandum from the Horse Guards was yes-
terday issued at Woolwich, informing the brigades and
divisions in garrison of the Duke of Cambridge's approval
of tho promptitude and energy displayed by the officers and
men in assisting at the scone of the recent disaster at Belvi •
dere. The Commander-in- Chief also expresses his gr at ifi •
cation at the successful endeavours of the troops in arrest-
ing the calamity of an inu,ldation with which the country
around was so imminently threatened, and which, but for

their ready and untiring labours, would have undoubtedly
been a prey to it. In reference to the explosion, it is sug-
gested that the authorities of the War Department should
be warned of the danger to which the inhabitants of Wool-
wich and Plumstead, and more especially those of the Royal
Arsenal, are exposed from the near proximity of the
cartridge works, in which it is stated that no less than 150
or 200 barrels of powder and combustible muter are stored
at times for the purpose of fillin I. and preparing the heavy
cartridges now in use. Some two or three years ago, it will
be remembered, a spacious magazine, intended to be bomb-
proof, was erected in the Woolwich-march about 1,400 or
1,500 yards below the Arsenal works, and that the arched
walls intended to support the ponderous roof, being of in-
sufficient strength, gave way, when a large portion of the
building came to the ground.

Major-Gen. Rumley, Inspector-Gen. of Infantry, has
just concluded hia halt-yearly inspection of the depot batta-
lions at the camp at Colchester. Col. Percy, commandant
of the camp, has arranged for a field -day of regulars and
Volunteers at Colchester on Thursday, October 27.

The War department steamers Lord Panmure and Bala-
clava have arrived at Woolwich from Portsmouth and Ply-
mouth, bringing a large number of Armstrong guns for
repair and other stores.

The sailing cutter Sebastopol, Capt. Anders, left Wool-
wich Arsenal yesterday for Dover. She will call at Purfleet
and fill in her magazines with ammunition.
By direction of the Admiralty the Chichester, 50, attached
to the sailing reserve squadron at Chatham, has been fitted
up as a school ship, and supp!icd with a competent staff of
teachers for the instruction of the children of the warrant
officers, petty officers, and others employed on board the
numerous vessels composing the steam and sailing reserve
in the Medway. The orders of the Admiralty direct ono of
the screw gunboats to collect and convey the scholars to and
from the Chichester both morning and evening, while the
arrangement for providing instruction for the children is felt
to be a very great boon.

With the exception of a few hands to complete a trifling
amount of work still remaining to be executed on board the
Achilles at Chatham, the whole of the mechanics and arti-
sans will leave that vessel to-day. She will then be handed
over to her officers and crew in all respects fully equipped,
and ready to take her departure for sea in the early portion
of the ensuing week, as !previously announced in The Sun,
The officers and crew, who have been berthed on board the
Gloucester, 50, in Chatham harbour, during the time the
Acbilles has been fitting, will join to-day, and from the
amount of work to be done on board in the way of clearing
up after the ten months during which the frigate has been in
the dockyard mechanics' hands her crgav will not join an
hour too soon. With about 500 tons of coals on board the
Achilles is on a nearly even keel, but if the approaching
run from Chatham to Plymouth Sound is to be taken as a
kind of experimental trial cruise as to what she is likely to
do at sea, it will be necessary to give her a better trim and
bring her two feet down by the stern. It should, however,
be taken into consideration by those who are keenly watch-
ing the approaching performance of the Achilles that as
much probably as two knots per hour must be allowed in
her rate of speed in consequence of the state of her bottom.
Her Majesty's sailing frigate Amethyst, 26, attached to
the reserve at Chatham, which has been lent by the Ad-
miralty to the Atlantic Telegraph Company to receive on
board the Atlantic Telegraph cable, for conveying to the
Great Eastern steamship in the Medway, left Chatham
harbonr yesterday morning, in tow of a private steamer,
and without an Admiralty pilot, for the works of the
company at Greenwich. There the first portion of the
cable will be shipped, and conveyed to the Great Eastern.
The consequence of allowing ono of her Majesty's ships to
leave Chatham without the customary Queen's pilot on
board, was that soon after the vessel had got clear of
the harbour those in charge of her ran her ashore on
one of the numerous shoals at Gillingham Reach, at the
entrance to the harbour. No one in charge seemed to be
aware of the intricacies of the navigation of the river at the
spot, although these are perfectly familiar to the duly
authorised Government pilots accustomed to the navigation
of ships of war to and from Chatham. All attempts to tug
the vessel off the bank on which she had grounded proved
fruitless, and with a strong ebb tido under her bottom she
soon settled down, straining herself, it is believed, very
severely. At flood tide last evening she was floated off,
but the extent of the injury she has sustained, which it is
hoped is not serious, cannot be fully ascertained until the
frigate shall have been docked. The explanation given by
the dockyard officials is that the vessel, having been handed
over for temporary use to the Telegraph Company, they
had virtually no further control over her subsequent move-
ments.

The following appointments and promotions have been
made at the Admiralty :—Sub-Lieut. Horatio N. Hood, to
the Achilles—John T. C. Webb, ma,ster to the Cumberland
for the Bristol—Hugh Jameson, to be Deputy-Inspector-
General of Hospitals and Fleets, on the retired list—Staff-
Surg. W. W. Baynes, to be Staff-Surg., of Woolwich dock-
yard, vice Jameson, promoted on the retired list—Marcus
M'Causland, midshipman, to the Viotory—J. A. Douglas
and Henry V. Prichard, master's assisfii., to the Achilles—
A, M'Leod, engineer, to the Sharpshooter—H. Evans, en-
gineer, to the Blenheim', for the Hector—J. Boswell, first-
class aseist-engineer, to tho Sliarpshootev—C. Salmon, pro-