The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-05 00:00:00

THE CHANNEL FLEET•

There was an immense influx of visitors to the fleet on
Monday. From Leith, Granton, Kirkcaldy, Burntieland,
and from all parts of the surrounding country, people
flocked in thousands to inspect the great iron-clad vessels.
Leith exhibited the same scene of bustle and activity which
it has done since the war vessels anchored in the Firth.
Steamboats, small and large, decked out in all the colours
that imagination can fancy, occupied berths along the piers,
and crowded all the available jetties that could be spared
for their accommodation. Crowds of people, such as have
seldom before been Witnessed in Leith, swermed on the
quays, battled with exorbitant masters of steam tugs about
sailing regulations and fares, and fought their way by
main force on to the decks of the boats that
were to convey them to the fleet. One striking
peculiarity of the crowds that thronged Leith
from early morning to evening was the large number of
country people that were to be seen, most of them dressed
in holiday attire. These came from all parts of the country,
evidently bent on enjoying themselves to the best of their
ability, and all displaying great curiosity to mime the
various wonders of the huge vessels about which they bad
heard so much. Passengers had the utmost difliolty in
getting on board the vessels of the squadron in consequence
of the vast numbers of people that battled for precedence in
being taken off the piers ; but the inconvenience experienced
in being put aboard the fleet was nothing compared with the
delays and annoyances which were to be endured in being
taken off again. The greater portion of the immense con -
course of people that went to the fleet insisted upon being
put on board the Black Prince or the Warrior, and the con-
sequence of this, as might readily be expected, was to
crowd these ships to such a degree that it was almost im-
possible to get alongside. For several hours the crush on
these vessels was tremendous. Five and six steamers were
to be seen at one time moored in rows around the ships
waiting their turns to discharge their living freights, and
the scenes at the gangways, which resulted from this, were
both amusing and exciting. People were hurried on board
as fast as the conductors of steam boats could urge them up
the ladders, and yet, in spite of all this dispatch, the occu-
pants of many of the steamers were kept waiting for hours
ere they could get on the decks of the iron-clads; and many
of the captains of the steamers gave up the task of attempt-
ing to get on board in despair.
In the afternoon the Duchess of Roxburghe, Mr. and
Mrs. Graham Lawson, and a select party of ladies and
gentlemen paid a visit to the flag ship Edgar, at the invi-
tation of the admiral. After lunching with the adriairal
the party were conducted through the vessel by she officers,
and spent some time inspecting the many interesting objects
on board. The ship's band was stationed on the quarter-
deck during the afternoon,and discoursed some popular airs.
In the afternoon William Lindsay, Esq., Provost of
Leith, entertained Admiral Dacres and a large number of
the officers of the fleet to dinner at his residence, Hermi-
tage-hill. The dinner was served ih an elegant marquee,
which was erected for the occasion, and the band of the
Leith It,fle Volunteers was in attendance, and played a
variety of popular music during dinner. In addition to the
officers of the fleet there were present the consuls of the
port, the members of the Leith town council, and a number
of volunteer officers.
THE LEITH BALE.—On Monday night the inhabitants
of Leith gave a grand ball in honour of the officers of the
fleet, in the Corn Exchange, which was tastefully decorates
with banners and evergreens for the occasion. There wt.%
a large and fashionable attendance, comprising lovilY°f
elite of the neighbourhood.