Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-02

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The GREAT Tower AT BALMoRAL-The
general buildings Of the new British royal resi-
dence at Balmoral have been in progress for
some time, but the foundation stone of the
great tower, which will be the most prominent
and picturesque features Of the palace, was
only laid on Thursday, the 10Th ult. Prince
Albert had given instructions to delay this por-
ton Of the building until the autumn, that the
Queen might lay the foundation stone in per.
son, and thus identify the royal family with their
future highland residence, under circumstances
of apeculiarly interesting and historic character.
Intimation having been given that the ten
antry on the royal estates, and the public in
the neighborhood, would be privileged to wit
ness the ceremony, arrangements were made
for the comfortable accommodation Of a large
party within the grounds. The space in front
of the new building was set apart for the spec
tators, and an area of considerable dimensions
was lined off around the site of the tower for
the Queen and Court. The foundation stone, a
huge block of granite, was placed on its bed
underneath a triangle, in which the first stone
of the second course was suspended in readi
ness to be lowered in due masonic form.
At 2 o'clock the tenantry began to gather,
and by 3 large concourse of people, in their
best attire, had taken theirplaces The weather,
which during the day had been rather showery,
now became fine, and by the time the Queen
was announced, the sun shone forth in brilliant
splendor.
At halfpast three her Majesty left the palace
with Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent, and
FIVE of the royal children. The Queen and
Prince Albert wore the Stuart tartan, and all
the royal family were dressed in the highland
costume The Duke Of Newcastle, Sir James
Clarke, the Hon. Colonel A. Gordon, Sir George
Couper, Count A. Mensdorf the Rev. Mr.. An
sderson, DIR. Robertson, and Lady Frances
Bruce followed, the procession being headed by
her Majesty's piper playing march, and
loudly cheered as it passed over the lawn
The distinguished circle being formed around
the stone, the Rev. Mr.. Anderson, the minister
Of the parish, offered up an earnest and appro
pirate prayer, after which the architect, Mr..
Smith, of Aberdeen, and the master builder,
Mr. Stuart, of Peterhead, assisted her Majesty
to perform the ceremony. BY
The Queen then placed in the cavity Of the !
foundaton-stone roll containing brief record
of the facts of the occasion, copies OF several
newspapers, and the current coins of the realm,
Zone of each,) Theoretically sealed in bottle,
over which was laid a metal plate fitted to the
level Of the stone. Her Majesty was next hand )
ed silver trowef and being supplied with NOR.
tar, laid it on in the most precise and work
manGke manner. The upper stone was now
lowered to its bed and adjusted. The Queen
next applied the square and plummet apd the
builder having pronounced the work perfect,
her Majesty struck the stone three times with a
golden mallet, in token that it was complete.
The cornucopia was then offered quan-
tity Of corn, as cut from the field, was laid on
the stone, over which the Queen poured oil and
wine, as the symbol of peace and plenty, and
then the company gave three cheers for the
queen and the royal household Her Majesty
returned to the palace in the same order as the
court left, and the master builder intimated to J
the workmen that the Queen had generously
provided for their enjoyment.
When the Court returned to the palace, the
company assembled on the green.terrace, which
stretches from the new residence to the Dee,
and there spent the afternoon in the practice
of highland sports and games, prizes having
been given by Prince Albert for their emcour.
agement, and awarded to the successful com
petitors by his royal highness, at the close Of
the day.. AS night came on, the workmen and
others were entertained to dinner in the iron
ballroom. The Queen and Prince Albert paid
a visit to the party when dinner was laid and
delighted them all with their kindness and CON
descension. When dinner was over the ball
room was cleared, and by ten O'Clock was,
filed by the tenantry, old and young, VINO en-
;oyeJ tbamselves 10 a late hour in the morn
ing. and thus closed the proceedings oil a day
which will long be remembered at BalmoraL
nSy-Cattle sometimes break into orchards,