Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-11-18
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 49, 1851
From Madame lie Tsrts Soureneirs of Ira,
A Visit to Queen Victoria.

cat nine our excellent Minister and his Eiece
with the attaches of the Legation, called for I'M
and, in our respective carriages, we drov
through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace
| Long lines of soldiers were drawn up near tn,
entrance, and gentlemen in elegant costumes
ushered us into the cloak room. We stoot
looking some time at the distinguished an(
royal personages as they entered Only those
and the diplomatic corps, and the members o
the Queens household passed that way. Afte
brief delay we ascended the great staircase
On each side of the marble steps masses of flow
ers were placed, so arranged that they formed
immense beds of gorgeous hue.
"EneriDg the state apartments, we tarried il
the yellow drawing room until ten O'clock
Then the guests withdrew from the centre o
the room, leaving O clear space like an avenue
between the hedges of splendidly dressed wo
men. AS we thus stood in eager expectation
the plate glass doors OF the saloon were thrown
open the Lord Chamberlain. with golden roc
in his hand, walked in backwards tho bant
struck up God save the Queen and Victoria
sovereign over many millions of people, enter
ed.
"By her side was the Queen of Hanover, ther
the Crown Princess of Prussia and the Duchess
of Gloucester Next came the Duchess of Kent
and Princess Mary of Cambridge, the Duchess
of Cambridge end the Princess of Hohenlohe
the Duchess of SAKE Coburg Gotha and the
Duchess of Sutherland; then all the maids Of
honor and ladies in waiting. After these came
Prince Albert and the King OF Hanover, the
Prince Edward of SAKE Weimar and the Duke OF
Coburg Gotha, the Duke of Mecklenburg Sire
litz and the Prince of Hohenlohe, the Duke OF
Cambridge, noble lords and Ministers.
"Queen Victoria moved gracefully along, sml-
ling and bowing in kind cordial manner to the
right and to the left Reaching the throne
room, she assembled the canopied "haut pas,
where she seated herself, surrounded by her
royal guests. The throne-room was spacious
and noble saloon, hung with crimson satin, the
lofty ceiling supported by marble columns and
richly emblazoDed, while around it was freize
(also of white marble) representing the wars OF
the roses It was brightly illuminated by the
light which came from crystal globes and gold
en- candelabra.
Dazzling was the scene around me, resplen-
dent as day with flashing diamonds and spark
ling gems. There were more than two thous-
and guests; every lady in magnificent toilette,
and every gentleman in court dress or in uni.
form. Soon delightful music from Jnlliens band
0ed by the famous composer himselD filled the
grand apartment with exquisite strains. Then
the Lord Chamberlain waved his golden wand,
the crowd drew back, and large quadrille was
formed, which consisted of her Majesty and all
her royal visiters.
"Queen Victoria is much handsomer than
painters have represented her. She is not tall,
but her form is Of graceful symmetry; and her
bust, arms, and feet are beautiful. A bright and
beaming smile lights up her face. Then there
is such an air of honest earnest goodness about
her, genial manner, so lovely and lovable my
heart was quickly won, and sincerely could |
have exclaimed, God save the Queen Her
dress was of white lace, embroidered with
straw and green silk; her hair parted on the
forehead, and bound round her head, which
was encircled with large wreath of poppies,
the heart of each flower formed by large dla-
mond Around the corsaSe was band ot dis-
monde OF vast size, while perfect river OF light
seemed to flow around her neck and rest upon
her bosom. She wore the blue riband, the Or
der of the GarterO with clasp of radiant
gems.
'During the dancing Of the second quadrille
the Lord Chamberlain was introduced to me-
and after some pleasant words exhanged, he
remarked: AS you are the only person here
not present at the last drawing-room, | will
have the pleasure, Madame, of presenting you to
her Majesty -...
"Of course I was delighted at this unexpect-
ed and unusual compliment, as presentations
at a State ball are not frequent. When the
dance was over, and the Queen was seated
again, the Lord Chamberlain waved his wand
OF authority, and the company drew back, leav-
ing space vacant in front OF the throne then
approached and was presented to her Majesty,
who advanced and greeted me in the most gra-
cious and kind manner, smiling sweetly as
courtesied low before her: and then passed on to
the group of distinguished and royal personages
who encircled her throne.
"That presentation was bright and enchant-
ing incident to me, and my heart bounded with
glad aud gratfed emotions as gazed upon the
amiable and lovely Queen. She is indeed wor
thy of the almost adoring affection her people
have for her.
'Her Majesty danced every qusdrille with
great spirit and evident delight. She tripped
along with the joyous gee of girl and the SIM
pie unaffected greece Of q child. She looks ex-
ceedingly young. No one would suppose her
to be the mother of eight children. Her part
ners in the dance were usually her royal visit.
ers, although several times she selected as such
some nobleman of high rank. The Marquis Of
CRANKY was one of the persons thus honored.
"About two o'clock in the morning the Queen
bade adieu to her guests, passing between two
living walls, which lined the picture gallery
AS in entering, she kindly bowed and smiled, as
the great door, panneled with mirrors, closed
upon her. Her sweet and genial manner was
really charming, and low murmur of praise
and admiration was heard on every side. Her
Majesty is truly an admirable woman, or else
she could not possess such an influence over the
hearts of her people. She is at once their pride,
their boast, and their example for all that is
good and excellent in the various relations of
life, as wife, mother, and sovereign.
"When Queen Victoria retired one of the no
blemen in waiting upon their Majesties most
kindly became my guide around the sculpture
and picture galleries, pointing out the fine paint
ings of Sir Peter Lely, of Reynolds, Rembrandt
and Wilke. He then conducted me to the land
ing OF the grand stairway, where we stood some
time looking down upon the scene below
There were hundreds aud hundreds Of ladies, in
bright crimson and blue cloaks, waiting for their
carriages, while near the doorway was q band
of yeomen,' (the guard of honor,) in the quaint
costume of Henry the Eighth. My agreeable
chevaler presented me to many pleasant per-
sons, and i was delighted with the cordial way
in which they greeted me. One gallant old
General, who had served long and won many
battles in India, pleased me especially. AL
though an aged man, he had all the enthusiasm
of young soldier. He spoke with warm admi-
ration of our generals Taylor and Scott and of
their glorious campaigns in Mexico. After talk
ing awhile he invited me to 60 down to visit
him at his country place, and we parted very
earnest friends.
"'How noiseless falls the foot of Time
That only treads on fowers.'
eNever did realize so absolutely the truth Of
shenstone's words as when our courteous friends,
Mr.. Ingersoll and Col. Lawrence, came to seek
me, and said it was nearly five o'clock!"
A lady neghbor and cquaintance--and do
tinnr ,nothar of q yaarish lad.-Layinar hattlad q