The Sun.
London, England, 1845-11-25 00:00:00

DINNER on BOARD H.M.S. "QUEEN"
TO THE RUSSIAN OFFICERS.
(From the Devonport Independent.)
It has seldom been in our power to record a more free
and jovial meeting between the officers belonging to the
Naval Powers of two great nations than that witnessed
on board the " Queen " en Thursday evening last, at a
dinner given by the Ward Room Officers of that ship, to
Ithose of the Russian Men-of-War at anchor here.
The cloth was laid in the Admiral's cabin, extending
over the whole breadth of the capacious deck, affording
accommodation for upwards of forty persons. On enter-
ing we observed it to be handsomely decorated with flags
of all nations, among the foremost and most conspicuous
of those was the Russian Ensign, having on each side a
Union. Abreast of the port or left end of the table was
the Crown of England neatly drawn in colors on white
cloth, with the word "Welcome," charactered underneath.
Opposite, on the starboard side, were the Impe-
rial Arms of Russia, the reflection of the light behind
which had a most pleasing effect. Four vases contain-
ing beautiful exotics were on the table ; at its head sat
Lieutenant Crooke, senior of the "Queen," as President,
Lieutenant Bouchier opposite him as Vice-President,
and the other officers of the ship between each of their
Russian guests. None sat mute for when dinner com-
menced, as the: good things began to disappear, and
champaigne introduced, the festivity and jocularity of the
evening increased. Much mutual mirth was occasioned
at the repeated endeavours to interpret the names of the
several articles of which they partook, and an exchange
of good understanding and kindly feeling was the con-
sequence.
On the cloth being removed, and dessert laid (which
consisted of various choice fruits, and among others—a
model of the Breakwater Light House, ornamented with
the Standards of England and Russia; several transpa-
rent jellies, enclosed in one, was an imitation of the
Albion, &c.) Lieutenant Crooke proposed " The Queen,"
which was heartily drank by the Company.
The next toast was " The health of his Imperial Ma-
esty the Emperor of Russia," which was responded to
with three cheers and one cheer more by the Vice-
President.
Lieutenant CROOKE rose and proposed the third
toast, " The Grand Duke Constantine, and happy to
see him in Old England," which was drank with three
loud and hearty cheers.
Another bumper being requested, the Russian officers
simultaneously stood and cheered lustily ; order being
called—the PRESIDENT called for an interpretation of
what he was about to say, to the effect, that they
(the Russian officers, their guests) had rather antici-
pated the toast he (Lieutenant Crooke) was about to
propose, but. however, they would not be done—he felt
very great pleasure in making their acquaintance, and
hoped it would be lasting. He concluded by proposing
the health of " Admiral Lutz and the Officers of the
Russian Navy," which was drank with much applause
in a bumper, and three times three.
Order being called, a Russian officer, left of the Vice-
President, rose and proposed the health of " Admiral
West," which was drank with three cheers.
Lieutenant CROOKE rose and said—" I beg leave to
thank the officers present for the honour they have done
us in proposing the health of our worthy and respected
Admiral, and in his behalf, and on behalf of my mess, to
return thanks."
The VICE-PRESIDENT next rose and proposed the
health of the " Empress of Russia, and may the Grand
Duke find her in health when he arrives as Palermo."
" Three times three, and one shout more for the
ladies," shouted by Lieutenant KENNEDY, at the star-
board end of the table.
Lieut. CROOKE called for a bumper, at the request of
his Russian guest, the Commander of the Ingerman-
land, on the right, who rose and proposed the health
of the " Queen of Britain," which on being interpreted
by the Russian Officer left of the President, was re-
sponded to by Lieutenant Crooke, to the effect, that
as Royalty never returned salutes, it was impossible for
him to take upon himself to do so ; but, on behalf of
his mess, he begged to thank them for the honour they
had done them in drinking the health of their beloved
Sovereign.
The next toast was proposed by the Commander of
the Ingermanland, who drunk the health of " The Offi-
cers of the Queen," and returned thanks for the kind
reception they (the Russian officers) had met with on
board the " Queen," which would be retained most
gratefully in their memory, even when in their more
northern climate.
Lieutenant CROOKE said in reply—" I rise to thank
the officer who has done us the honour to propose that
toast ; honour though it be, we are always happy to meet
officers of whatever nation they are, and I can only re-
turn my sincere thanks on behalf of my messmates for
the toast that has been proposed."
Lieutenant BOURCHIER, Vice-President, gave " The
Ladies of Russia," responded to by the " English
Ladies" being given, which was drunk with all honours.
The company continued until twelve o'clock in the
test mirth and joviality, when they left in their own
boas 1 bd-hted over the dark waters to their vessel in the
• v the repeated blue lights, and cheered on
istance ~, y rowed from the gallant ship on board
their way ti.s -o cheerfully partook of all that could
which they heti ).
gratify the taste. abundance—but not only did the
Everything was ill ,
-cers extend to their Russian
liberality of the gallant cabs
nonsisting of upwards of
guests, but the boats crews,who were 1:
in
-aste
their national
d with fresh beef,
w
v
thirty brawny fellows,
biscuit, and rum, and were displaa, their
seamen until
dances on the main deck among our L.
the time of separation took place.
lion of this
It is but justice to add that the entire dime,
magnificent banquet was confided to Mr. Richer: line'
war-room messmate of the Queen, and most efficie.'
did he carry out the wishes of the gallant donor of the I
feast in every particular.