Star.
London, England, 1825-05-14 00:00:00

DINNER TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.'

Yesterday a grand entertainment was given to his
Grace the Duke of -Wsouso.ros, by a number of Ns-
• blemen and Gentlemen connected with the commerce
of the inetropolis, at the City of London Tavern, on
the occasion -of presendng to him a magnificent Vase,'
as a testimony of gratitude f' r the advantages experi-
enced from the victory of Waterloo, and the other
triumphs of the army under the command of his Grace,
on the'Continent. The LORD MAYOR took the Chair.
The Duke of WELLINGTON sat on the-right, and the
Marquis of ANGLESSA on the left of his Lordship.—
Amongst the company were—
Lord Darnley, Lord Torrington, Sir Ulysses Burgh, Sir Cows
Trotter, General Burr, Colonel 'Blackburn, and several digits.'
guished Military Officers; Xt. T. Wilson, Mr. J. L. Goldsmith,
Mr. Hammer ley, Mr. Van Schovel, Mr. J. Lapel, several of
the Aldermen, and other Members of the Cooperation.
The room was decorated with the national standards,
and the table was most splendidly laid out. Ater the
cloth sac removed, the Wellington Vase was brought
into the room, and placed in the centre of the cross table.

This Vase is one of the most chaste and splendid workmanship.
It is of considerable dimensions, and in shape resembles the cele-
brated Warwick Vase. The design is by Stothard, and it has
been executed under the direction of Mr. John Green. The chief
com pertinent is occupied with a beautiful bas-relief, representing the
Duke of Wellington in the centre of one of the impenetrable squares
of .41„lisils Infantry,at that particular time when the bodies of French
Cavell y made-their last desperate effort to break in. The Cuiras
siers are represented in alto-relievo, as rushing on to the engage-
ment ; and round the British lines are seen the numerous dead
who have fallen in the furious attempt. The design is considered
striking, aapresenting the chief feature of the contest, in trusting the
istwa to the-cool fortitude and activity of the British troops in the
-WC of the bayonet: The ornaments and general outline ate Grecian.
T.be handles are formed in elegant scrollii, on which sit two female
figures. The Inscription, which is from the pen of Mr. J. Green,
is in the following words
:
'• TO. ARTHUR,, DUKE OF .WELLINGTON„
" The Noblemen and Gentlemeh whose .names. are inscribed on
the base, present this Vase, not in the presamptitous hope of .ex-
tending the gloi y of a name which is imperishable, but to testify
their admiration of the last and greatest of his achievements,
1 • " THE BATTLE OF WATERLOOX _
•

The LORD IMATOR rose arid Aid; he had been de-
pute by a number of Noblemen and Gentlemen, many
of whom were nowt present; as well as_ by a number of
isaelito.ious individuals who were not able to enjoy the
high honour or his Grate's Company, to present him
with a tribute of their4ratitude mid admiration. He
attributed the honour of being thus.deputed, not to any
merit of his own, but to the circumstance of his being
the Chief Magistrate ; for he felt that in attempting to
communicate 'the feelings of his fellow citizens, he had
undertaken a task which he was but ill able to execute,
and which would have been much better performed by
any one of his friends around him. In fact, when they
reflected on the marks of national 'gratitude which his
Grace had recEived for his conduct dating the war, in
the thanks that had been voted to him brboth Houses
of Parliament, and the distinction that' bad • been be-
stowed upon him by hit Majesty, 'it appeared almost
presumptuous in those who came forward On this oc-
casion to offer anything like a national tribute. His
Lordship then alluded to the services of his Grace in,
India, and said it would be vain to repeat the extra-
ordinary succession of brilliant achievements which
were for ever united to the name of Wellington ; it war
impossible to speak of victories without naming that
'extraerdinaticafalpgue which filled the history of the
.celelsrated eampaign-4Cheers). His Lordship finally 1
'earned the battle of Waterloo, which for ever put an
,end to the.sclesolating Projects of Napoleon, and than
„presenried the Vase to his Grace, stating to him that it
had :been subscribed asa tribute of the gratitude of those
around him--(Load cheers).
The health of the Noble Duke was then enthusiasti-
[jelly drank, with three times three.
The Duke of WELLINGTON then rose, and with much
feeling spoke as follows:-4, lam highly sensible of
the manner in which you have been pleased to drink
my health ; and when I
.make this acknowledgment, I
must, at the same time, return you my cheeks for this
beautiful specimen of the Arts which you do me the
honour to present. I accept it with the highest gratifi-
cation, because I assure you that I receive with un-
feigned gratitude this 'mark of approbation which you
bestow upon my services.' I will not adveit to those
scenes of my early life Which the Lord Mayor has so
much honoured by noticing; but I must say of the
Battle of. Waterloo, that it well deserved his apprnba-
tichs. The- Battle of Waterloo produced consequences
which were unheard of as the result of any event of that
description in modern times, or, indeed, in any times.—
'lt completed the military glory of this country.' It re-
lieved mankind from the apprehension. of a return to
that horrible, revolting, and degrading tyranny which
had been imposed upon nearly all the world except the
people of this country." it enabled his Majesty's Go-
vernment to effect the peace of Europe upon terms most
honourable to ourselves, and such as have led us to the
greatness and prosperity we now enjoy. Gin send that
it may be as lasting as it is honourable and beneficial
to the country. Although I claim these merits for the
Battle of Witerloo, I disclaim any extraordinary merit
'fbr myself, excepting a zealous, honest, ardent desire to
do my dutyir to my Sovereign and my country.—
The great results of that day are to- be largely at-
tributed •to my gallant friend near me (the Marquis
of Anglesea), and the other-Officers who commanded,
and -to the discipline 'and bravery of our soldiers.—
They are to be attributed in a still greater degree to the
exertions and spirit of the country, in supporting 'the
army through all sacrifices and privations. It is that
same spirit which hai induced you at this distant- pe
riod of time to draw the attention of men to this event,
and to milk your 'apptobation of my conduct. Ido
.'lll,t wish to underrate that conduct when I state that
as long as that spirit shall exist, there will not be men
wanting who will follow my example in doing their
duty to their country, and endeavouring to merit its
approbation"—(long continued and fervid applause).
The LoaeNsioa next proposed the health of the" Marquis of
staiotemovith a few appropriate remarks.
Illte Marquis of ANGLESRA said, ,4 It gives me infinite
pleasureto be amongst you this day to celebrate the glo.
-Timis achievement in which your illustrious guest, my
Noble avid Gallant Friend, stood so pre-eminent. . Te
be so honoured by a company combining so much of
the talent and wealth of the first city in the world—to be
so taken notice of by my gallant Chief, and the Lord
Mayor,----was more than I could possibly have, ex-
pected. In the name of the gallant men with whom I
had the honour to serve, and for myself, I return you
my most sincere thanks."
The Duke of WELLINGTON rose to Propose the health
of the Lord Mayor,.whose acts during his mayoralty
•bad already secured him the confidence and esteem of
all—(Great. applause).
Th0:1•0151 MAYOR returned thanks in a neat speech.
;Pe kcalths of Earl DA ,u Sir C. Emma*, the City Mem-
ben, Sir U. Buzau, and other Gentlemen present, were drank,
cuislihey'seferally.returnedtisanks.r—The Meeting then rep red.

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