The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-13 00:00:00

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after ship under easy sail pass by to fight the battles of the
country. Each crew mounted once more into the rigging
to give her a round of parting hurrahs, and topgallantsails
were lowered—that mark of respect which the navy itself
receives from the mercantile marine. When the Duke
of Wellington approached the Royal yacht, the rest of
the fleet were already dim and faint in the distance.
Though under no press of canvas, the brisk west wind
had carried them well out to sea, the Royal George fitly
closing in the receding line with her huge hull and
spreading sails. The crew of the flagship 'had now in
their tarn to give their farewell cheers. They sprang
up the rigging with astonishing rapidity, not stopping
according to custom at the cross-trees, but mounting
upwards until the most adventurous spirits had reached
the very summits, for the humour of possessing which
they struggled. One daring fellow coolly seated himself
upon the truck of the maintopmast, where, with one
hand he waved his cap in cheering, while he held the
other arm extended, to show that he was unsupported.
The hurrahs from the crew of the Duke of Wellington
at bidding farewell to their Queen and country will long
ring in the ears of all who heard them. Her Majesty
stood waving her handkerchief towards the mighty ship
as she departed, and for a long time after the whole fleet
had gone the Royal yacht remained motionless, as if
the illustrious occupants desired to linger over a spec-
tacle calculated to impress them so profoundly. Well
might they do so, for seldom has Royalty gazed upon a
scene more touching and portentous. The power and
fortunes of England sail with her navy. That force,
therefore, the first division of which Queen Victoria
saw this day go forth to war, must exercise an important
influence upon the future history of a reign hitherto
unprecedentedly prosperous and peaceful. Whatever
betides, we have sent out stout ships, manned by stout
and willing hearts, propelled by the same agency which
has so incalculably increased our internal resources, and
and commanded by a gallant admiral who is not likely
to lose any opportunity that may present itself of hav-
ing his name inscribed in the book of fame with those
of Nelson and the other heroes whose victories have
established our supremacy upon the seas.

DOVER, MARCH 12.
It having been stated that the fleet would pass Dover
early this morning, all were on the qui vive eagerly ex-
pecting its apearance. It was not, however, until about
9 o'clock that any positive intelligence could be obtained;
it was then learned that the fleet was 14 or 15 miles
south-west of Hastings, which it passed at 11 a.m.. At
this time the excitement among the inhabitants became
very great. Large numbers crowded all the best posi-
tions for seeing the imposing pageant, the cliffs, piers,
and beach being densely thronged with eager spectators.
The South-Eastern Company despatched a vessel from
Douer to meet the fleet at 12.40 p.m., which first sighted
it at 1 p.m., disposed in two long lines, as nearly in
mid-channel as possible, the colossal Duke leading the
outer line, closely followed by the St. Jean d' Acre. The
weather was as favourable as could be wished ; not a
cloud was to be seen, and the sea was almost unruffled.
The fleet passed Dover at 3 p.m., and proceeded to the
Downs.