The Sun.
London, England, 1822-08-12 00:00:00

GRAVESEND.

The interest excited by the expected approach of his Ma-
jesty to this place, in his way to the Nore, was scarcely
less ardent than that which we have described as having ex-
isted at Greenwich. The same disappointment which occur-
red at Greenwich, too, was experienced here, and for two
days the inhabitants of the surrounding country were kept in
suspense. Every possible demonstration of respect had been
determined on, and each day, from Thursday morning, flags
were displayed from the church steeple and the town hall, as
well as from every elevated building.—All the ships and
smaller craft in the river, were likewise dressed in flags of every
description. Yesterday tuoming, as early as, ten o'clock, the
company began 'again to flow into the town, and in a short
time all thpistalsleic,tvere filled; The visitors ifinnediately
proceeded to the banks of the river, and to such ele-
vated places as presented themselves on the shore. The ter-
race above the Bathing-house, especially, was thronged

. .
with spectators; who, throughout the morning, kept casting
" long and lingering looks" towards 'London. As the tide re-
ceded, hope became extinguished, and at las: it was concluded
that the multitude was destined to a third mortification, and
many actually resolved to return home, and laugh at those who
had the folly to remain. The arrival in the town, however, of
the Chatham division of marines from that place excited new
hope—and many wavering 'dispositions were resolved to wait
the issue. The marines, which were under the command of
Colonel Christie, immediately marched to a point of land be-
low the battery, where they piled 'arms and remained at their
posts, while their officers rode towards Northfieet, in order to
have the earliest view of the approach of the Royal yacht.— I
In Tilbury Fort preparations were made to fire a salute, for i
which- purpose a small detachment of artillery was sent for.
—At six o'clock, those who had been stretching their tele- I
scopes the whole of the day towards the Long Reach, in the
hope of being able to afford consolation to the impatient throng,
announced the thrice welcome intelligence that they were en-
abled to distinguish the smoke of the steam vessels by which
it was known the Royal yacht was to he accompanied.—
Every moment now added to the certainty of his Majesty's
approach ' • and by the naked. eye it was soon seen that the
Royal yacht preceded by a considerable distance the sailing
vessels by which it bad been accompanied on its departure
from Greenwich. The salute fired at Woolwich had been
distinctly heard at twenty. minutes to five, so that the cer-
tainty of his Majesty's embarkation was fully ascertained.—
Every five minutes now offered fresh consolation, and the agi-
tation of the assembled throng increased. The cry of •` Ile's
coming," became general, and the joy evinced on the occa-
sion sufficiently manifested the:pleasure derived from the cir-
' et:instance by the multitude. The Marines were now drawn
up in two bodies, on distinct points of land, fronting Graves.
end Hope, with their respective bands, and their officers took
their respective stations. All now might be said to be on
" the tip-toe" of expectation, and all ranks seemed to be at-
tuning their lungs in order to add their mite to the general ex-
pression of exultation. At halfspast six the Yacht was stated
to have reach ad Greenhithe, and shortly after seven it was seen to
enter Northfleet Hope. Precistaly.twenty minutes after seven,
the Sovereign steam vesseL Lowing the Lord Mayor's barge
in the most masterly style, liaised Tilbury Fort, keeping the
centre of the River, and the hand on board playing " God
save the King." At this'moment the bands of the Marines
on shore joined in the favourite Anthem, and the myriads
on the shore commenced a loud and enthusiastic cheer.—
In a few minutes after the Royal yacht came down in the
most majestic style, towed by the Comet, and surrounded by
upwards of a hundred boats, which had set out from Gravesend
to meet it. His Majesty was. on deck, and was repeatedly
cheered. fie appeared to be highly delighted, and repeat-
edly bowed his thanks. As his Majesty passed the fort, a
royal salute was fired, and the marines presented arms. All
the vessels which had left Greenwich with his Majesty
were completely distanced ; and those which persevered in
following bins did not reach Gravesend for an hour afterwards.
The Corporation of Gravesend and Milton had prepared
an Address to be presented to his Majesty ; but from the dif-
ficulty which would necessarily exist of presenting it to him on
his passage, it was resolved that it shoull be conveyed through
the medium of Lord Darnley, who is Steward of the Corpo-
ration.