Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1838-07-28
THE CORONATION

North Door.
No. l52. NORFOLK, EARL Marshal
eooeee 90 oeeoeoeoo
On receiving this tickle: from Mr.. s. he said, that as
he had another for like purpose he would give 1t to
any other American editor, if knew Of one being IN
London. Ireped that l understood Mr.. Webb was
in London; for notwithstanding the many foolish
things that my old associate has done, would never
allow personal feelings Interfere with such occa-
sions the present Not only would facilitate his
entrance, as did, into Westminster Abbey, bat if
could would open the kingdom of heaven for him,
provided he would repent of his sins, although fear
he would not be long there without making riot or
challenging some one.
Be that as it may, having got my ticket, now be-
gan to deliberate about the costume in which was
to make my appearance in the Abbey. On inquiry,
found that there was ne necessity for fall court
Dress although that is the verbal order of the pro-
gramme. therefore made no other alteration in my
usual simple black dress than varying it with white
vest and white stock.
On the Wednesday night Previous prepared my
self at the cost of half to visit the Abbey on
| the succeeding morning. Next morning had to get
up early, for daylight begins TO dawn, the
avenues to the venerable pile are beseged by rank
and fashion. The doors were opened as early as FIVE
o'clock in the morning. although the Queen does not
eater till near IL clock got up at veo clock and had
breakfast ordered; but the difficulty in procuring
carriage The oneI had ordered the night previous did
not come-accerdingly / had to take pct luck, and
the considcrate hacknan demanded % shlllngs in
advance before he would bulge an inch, | forked
out the money, and glad TO get one at any price,
for by this time il was wearing towards seven
o'clock, and at o'clock the barriers were all to be
closed.
But another important affair was arranged before
started. young friend provided me with small
flask of choice sherry and couple of crackers off
you do not take these" said he, "you will get faint,
and when you get into the Abbey, the crowd is
great that there will be no getHg ont again."
thought this very good and wen considered advice
accordingly took it, although seldom do take any
advice. took the flask and put it into one pocket
then the crackers into the other In my hand car
ried the Book of the Coronation" as guide TO the
ceremonies when inside the Abbey. With these pre-
parations mounted the car iage and drove to the
street leading to the North Entrance.
We entered the line of carriages at Charng Cross
and proceeded biz by biz, up Whitehall along Parla-
ment street, ill we reached the Abbey. Along the
whole linc il was thronged with carrages-the side
walks with pedestrians. The fronts of the houses on
each tide dressed up like the interior of thea
ire tier above tier TO the roof and each tier already
nearly filled with spectators, although Eve or six
hours had to elapse before the procession would
pass.
On reaching the entrance Of the Abbey was set
down and passed in. Have you ticket, sirT'
"Yes," replied I-pulling it out. You are not re-
qaired to deliver il up" said he, "keep it and pass
along" did So passed number of policemen
and officers in very zigzag direction, under the
galleries and coisters Of this famous building. Com
ing from the light il seemed so dark wheR | passed
the great entrance, that could not find my way
One of the attendants gave me his arm, led me
through dark passage, which took me to the ascen.
ding staircase, leading to the Nighensale Gallery.
On emerging from darkness to light, was for
moment dszzled by the splendid coup d aii which the
interior of this magnificent structure presented II
was few minutes after seven o'clock in the mern-
ing and yet every seat except those belonging the
peers peeresses, and foreign ministers, was crowded
with the beauty and spendor of this mighty King
DOM II was impossible 10 conceive any scene more
truly gorgeous. But amusing enough, the first object
that struck me on entering the verable figure in
full costume, of my particular friend, Colonel Webb,
who had received ticket Of Mr.. Stevenson, and was
very securely ensconced in the centre Of two dozen
very beautifully dressed ladies' There were three be-
hind hm-three before him, and four on one side and
q dozen on the left, each enc Of them Hebe or a
Venus de Mcdecs. Heretofore il has been my PRIDE |
and PASSION TO be considered ladies' man-an
adorer Of the sex-a passionate lover of the delicious
pcttcost Al last must admit that greater in that
line than am, illsmnates this neither world. shall
take my proper rank in taste fer the ladies' and duel
ling-and that is second to COL Webb. He certainly
has ouistripped me completely, and 1 acknowledge
beat bat not done over.
But TO return from this DEPRESSION. Ii took me
full hour to look round and mark ost the mes, re-
ma-kable sights in the interior of the Abbey. The
venerable grey columns OF this Gothic structure con-
trasted beautifully with the gold and silver decora-
tons Of the galleries. The newspapers here will give
you the best descrptlons-I confine my observations
to the exact impressions made on me throughout the
whole ceremony.
In short time that is to say at eight o'clock, the
peers and pceresses began to enter got sea, very
contiguous to that portion Of the northern transcpt
VIII ch was devoted to the accommodation of the f.
male nobility, and was quite interested in watching
the appearance, and looks, and dress Of zach fair
dame as she entered. They all appeared IN similar
cosiume-n white dress, with a crimson robe orna-
mented with ermnc. Each peeress carried her coro-