The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-07-29 00:00:00

Jere WATER ..ACCRSIOIE OF THU LORD MAYOR AND
ALDERSIEN or LONDON.—Wednesday the Right Ho-
nourable the Lord Mayor, the Aldermen, the Chiet Mem-
bers of the Corporation, the Lady Mayoress, and a large
party of Ladies, together with the Secretary to the Ad. rurralty, Admiral Sir George Cockburn, sn I most of
those connected with the Conservancy of the River
Thames,emb'arked in the City State Barges, according to
the plan already published. The squadron was towed
down the river by a large steam-yacht. The weather
was extremely tempestuous. Upon the arrival of the
squadron at Southend, boats were hailed to convey the
passengers to the shore. Unfortanately two of the first
boats which landed were swamped,and to land the ladies
and the Aldermen were found to be impossible, until a
great deal of preparation was made, the ordinary mode
having failed in the two first attempts. Bathing ma-
chines and caravans were dragged down to the shore, to
assist in the labour of landing, bat still great inconve-
nience arose. The Ladies were subject to great ann Iv-
&nee, for it was not possible to get to the beach with,,tn..
the assistance of the small boats, and the weather was so
bad that the water became soon knee deep in the boats,
into which the spray dashed with great fury. The Lady
Mayoress eneountcred all the perils of the v ,yage Nitis
singular fortitude. Many of her fair guests, ase are
sorry to say, suffered by their -fears as well as in their per-
sons,but all safeliLoaded. The inhabitants of South-
end received them with the greatest demonstrations • f
j uy,and invited the party to a dinner. Thn rsdaiy the greater
number embarked, and sailed go Yantlet Creek, where
soundiugs were taken according to custom. His Lord-
ship was salu'ed by the several men of war lying there,
the yards were manned, and every honour done to the
Civic_Body. Admiral Sir George Cockburn and several
Captains came on board, and were invited to the dinner
and ball given by his Lordship. The party returned to
Southend at four o'clock, and dined to the number of
110. The wines were plentiful. In Vie course of the
day the ladies, who did not relish the idea of reirnharle-
ing, were amused by donkey races, and at night there
was a splendid exhibition of fireworks. The ball was
brilliant. We understand, however, hat a dispute arm,/
between two gentlemen of the party, laeid high by the
grape, that they " showed fight' before the lathes, and
that a Common Cooncilmawyrot his eye blackened.
. There were large words and cards exchanged between
the parties, and a talk of going " to the ground" tor
satisfaction; but one gentleman, a Magistrate of Essex,
put au end to all danger of bloodshed or expectation of
settlement In' that manner. Several Aldermen interpos-
ed to obtain peace, but without effect; and we understand
Warn', not without great ditficull that the business was
ultimately got rid of. Apologies pissed,. we believe,
on the next morning. Friday the party proceeded to
Rochester, where his Lordship went three times round
the stone that bounds his juris•tiction as Conservator of
the River, and laid the civic sword over it. Upon their
arrival at Rochester, they were received by the Mayor
and UopOration, who were invited to the dinner.—:Many
were the festivities in that ancient town on the occasion.
Saturday morning the whble party re iinharked, in orde
to get to town, but the steam yacht bad been /
the wind was relverw, and the ladies were
undergo any more fright. All again disembarked.
rated into small parties, and reached 'town by
conveyances.

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