The Sun.
London, England, 1844-10-05 00:00:00

VISIT OF THE KING OF THE

FRENCH TO ENGLAND.
PORTSMOUTH, THURSDAY EVENING.

A public meeting of the inhabitants of the borough of
Portsmouth was held to-day at the Sessions-house, for
the purpose of adopting measures to give a suitable re-
ception to his Majesty- on his visit to this country. The
meeting was convened by the Mayor, in conformity with
the expressed wishes of a number of the principal resi-
dents of the borough, who issued a public circular,
calling upon the inhabitants to assemble, "to take into
consideration the best means of doing honour to our
most gracious Sovereign's illustrious guest, on his ar-
rival, in acknowledgment of the brilliant reception of her
Majesty on her late visit to the French dominions."
Shortly after twelve o'clock, the hour appointed for
the meeting to assemble, the chair was taken by the
Mayor, who briefly stated the object for which the in-
habitants had met, and hoped that they would not allow
so favourable an opportunity to pass of expressing to his
Majesty the King of the French, on his landing at their
port, the high estimation in which he was held by the
people of England. On the occasion of her Majesty's
visit to France last year every hospitality was shown
by the French to all who accompanied her Majesty,
whether in a civil or military capacity, and he hoped
that they would not be outdone even in courtesy and
hospitality by their brave neighbours, but would show
the same attention to all his Majesty's suite, and to
the officers of his squadron, as was exhibited to her
Majesty's suite and the officers of the British squadron.
Mr. Hoskins, the ex-Mayor, Dr. Scott, and several
other gentlemen, addressed the meeting, all of whom
highly eulogised the conduct of his Majesty for his
anxious desire to preserve the good understanding be-
tween France and England, and to encourage and pro-
mote feelings of kindness and friendship between the
inhabitants of the two countries. It was resolved at the
meeting to invite the officers of the French squadron to
a public dinner during their stay at Portsmouth, and a
Committee was formed to make the necessary ar-
rangements,
The officers of her Majesty's ships at this part are also
getting up an entertainment, to which they propose in-
viting the officers of the French squadron. This is to
be a ball and supper, and it promises to be a very bril-
liant affair. It is confined to naval officers at present in
commission, of which there are a considerable number
now here, each of whom will be allowed a given number
of tickets for distribution. During the whole time the
French squadron remains here, Portsmouth will be a
continued scene of gaiety. The officers of the regiments
doing garrison duty also intend to entertain the French
officers. and other entertainments are spoken of.
Ilis Majesty the King of the French is expected here
early next week ; the particular day is not named, as it
is supposed that the exact time of his Majesty's embar-
kation at Treport will be governed entirely by the state
of the weather. His Majesty will be accompanied by a
squadron of eight vessels, which will take up their moor-
ings in the harbour.
It is rumoured that his Royal Highness the Prince de
Joinville will accompany his Majesty on his visit to the
Queen, but that he will not take the command of the
squadron, which is to be under the command of Vice-
Admiral La Susse.