The Sun.
London, England, 1824-08-17 00:00:00

V.A.UXTIALL GARDENS.

A Grand Fete was given yesterday in honour
of the Birth-day of his Royal Highness the:Duke of YORK.
The arrangements of the evening were similar to those which
it was lately our pleasing duty to notice, connected with the
celebration of the 12th of August. Numerous tasteful devices
ornamented the walks, the area in front of the Orchestra, and
the northern extremity of the Quadrangle, where the inscrip-
tion—" The Duke of York and the Army" appeared. Mili-
tary ensigns were displayed in different parts of the Gardens,
comprehending the standards of all the nations in Europe.
In addition to the amusements which demand the attention
of the company sans intermission through the evening on other
occasions, an additional object of interest was last night sup-
plied to the successful competitor of candidates for aquatic ho-
nours, who yesterday sailed for an elegant silver cup and cover,
the annual gift of the Members of the Coronation Fleet.
The vessels entered to sail were the following.—
No. Vesztqs` Names. Owners' Names. Belonging to. Tons.
1 Royal Eagle - 'l'. S. Stokes . Rotherhithe -11
2 Friendship - R. Williams - - Paul's Wharf 7
3 Fortitude - 411. Martin . - - 7
4 Morning Star - W. H. Lewer Ditto - - 4i
5 Dotterill - R. White Vauxhall -
6 Antelope - J. Gadd Arundel Stairs 10
7 Spitfire - - - T. Bettsworth - Chelsea - 5
8 Calypso - M. W. Sharp - - Arundel Stairs 8
9 Arrow - - Lieut. Wilson . Southampton 12
10 White Rose - S. Holmes - . Cowes - - 9
11 Comet - Thomas Hooper - Pickle Herring 13
Only nine of the above vessels appeared at the time for sail-
ing the match, the Arrow and the White Rose being unable to
get up in time. They started from Blackfriars-bridge shortly
after four o'clock. The Dotterill and Spitfire got foul of each
other, and the Royal Eagle took the lead at once, which she
gallantly kept to the end of the race. The Fortitude kept near
her, but lost way in passing through Battersea-bridge, both in
going and coming. The struggle concluded at about half-past
seven, when the Royal Eagle came in first, followed by the
Fortitude, which was about two minutes behind. The Comet
was the third ship. The winner, Captain Stokes, of Ruttier-
hithe was received with loud acclamations, and the race af-
forded high gratification to thousands of spectators who lined
the banks of the river. The Royal Eagle has been built for
river sailing. This is the first time of her entering the lists on
such an occasion, and of course she has fully answered the
expectations of her proprietors, by the successful debut of
yesterday.
The Concert embraced several novelties. Miss Tunstall sung
a song entitled " Men will have their own way," with great
effect. The song itself is a very pleasant production, and her
harmonious voice and clear articulation were heard in it to great
advantage. It was unanimously encored. Master Longhurst
sung a new song, " What will become of me," with much
applause ; as did bliss Waite " Love and Reason," and Wil-
liams, who has distinguished himself here so much by his ex-
cellent comic singing, had a new song entitled " The Long-
acre Beauty." Before the commencement of the thud act, the
Cup, a very elegant piece of plate, was presented to Captain
Stokes, by Mr. %Villiams, who addressed the Company first,
on the occasion, which had imposed upon him the grateful task
of rewarding successful talent, and afterwards the hero himself
as follows:

44 llEttlies and Gentlemen—l am authorised by the Proprie-
tors of these Gardens to present this Cup to the fortunate win-
ner of the Sailing Match this day. I feel sincere pleasure, Sir,
in presenting it, and in congratulating you on your nautical
talent and success. In the first place permit me the honour of
saying —' Here's a health to all good lasses,' and in the next to
offer to all ;.resent good wishes, generous and boundless as the
ocean. Captain Stokes, in drinking your health individually,
I hope your future exertions may be crowned with success equal
to the present."
Mr. STOKES made a suitable acknowledgment; and the glee
of " Here's a health to all good lasses" was immediately per.
formed amidst the plaudits of the assembly.
The evening's amusements closed as usual with a magnificent
exhibition of tire works, and the astonishing efforts of Mr.
Blackmore on the tight rope. The attendance was most nu-
merous, and included many fashionables and persons oldistinc-
tion. Great good humour prevailed, and not the slightest dis-
turbance occurred in the course of the evening. Indeed the
chances of disorder are greatly diminished by the very superior
accommodation provided by the Proprietors, and by the suavity
and activity of Mr. Simpson, who, throughout the evening, is
here, there, and everywhere, endeavouring to promote the
general harmony. .