Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1862-07-31

Duke of Kent she Was fstheress Her fair, light form
was sporting In all the rtdoerce Of youth and healtb
on the noble sands of old RimsgAte Her dress yrs
simpe-s plain straw bonnet With white ribbon around
the crown, . colored muslin frock, locking gay and
cheerful, and pretty pair OF shoes on as pretty
pair Of feet as remember TO have ever seen her mo-
Their was her companion, and venerable man, whose
craven every human heart that loves It's tpe-
ces walked by her parents side, and doubtless gave
those counses which more sbs to offer than
himself for il was William Wilberforce."
When Victoria was twelve years of age, the imposing
ceremonial OF her ion ct court took placs Hfr
uncle, William w, was then upon the throne. The
dra sing room Of Queen Adelaide decorated With
spendor which dszzled the eyes OF those Who bad
lived amidst the gorgeousuess Of the court Vic
toria conducted 70 Buckingham palace in almost re
gal state accompanied by her mother and by quite
retinue of noble ladies She placed BY the side OF
the queen and she received the homage with which she
surrounded with chill ;lke graceful simplicity,
which won the admiration of all hearts Il was her
twelfth birthday Magnificent presents we're lavshed
upon her, To add still to the eclat Of the reception,
there were arrangements made for brilliant bali, at
which large number Of the children Of her sge, Of
the highest Of the nobility invited Victoria in
subsequent life, has often alluded to this scene as i'm
pressing her imagination with vision Of tair beauty
bewlderiDg, and never to be 6fIeed.
Toe Duchess OF Northumberland, woman Of distin-
gushec accomplishments, now appointed governess
to Victoria, aud her education prosecuted with
neWed diligence. That she might be uninterrupted in
her studies and might have unbro hours oil sleep, 1t
very wisely judged best that she should DO With
drawn from all general society, and assume the position
of little girl at schoo Her education was solid and
thorough She taught the history OF her coun
try, its laws lis literature, and the rudimenis OF the
important sciences. The mother Of Victoria was
German. From infarcy the royal child was taught to
speak English, German and French, with about equal Il
ciy. She had very decided natural taste for music,
and became quite accomplished performer on several
Drawing. a
degree as 10 sketch from nature with correctness and
pleasure.
Great attention was devoted 10 the physical education
OF the prospective queen She took lolg walks in the
open air aud became very expert equestrian. La fact,
avery thing done which wisdom could descr.b, or
wealth execute to prepare this young maiden TO sit up
the throne aud TO sway tie sceptre Of the most pow
ful ration the globe. The beautiful old palace Of
nsIngton, secluded amidst lawns and parks and gar
ms her favored home. Occasionally, very beau
tul little boy, cousin Of hers, Albert from Gel
10Y visit bis aunt Toe two children play mates,
became strongly attached TO each other. This the
Prpce Albert who subsequently, became the husband Of
the QIeen-truy q noble man, Of cultivated mind Of
affections, and OF sincere pieIy. These were by
| far the happest years OF Vlctorias life.
On the ooh of My, 1887, Victoria attained the age
OF eighteen her legal ms ory Tie day celebrated
With ringing Of bells ana all the demon tratioas ct pep
uIr joy. The highest dignaries crowded the saloons
oi Kersngton TO psy homage 10 the future queen. AZ
age. Little did the maiden then imagine that the
day o. coronation was so near at hand In less than
month from this time, on the 10Th Of June, William ~
suddenly died At o'clock 10 the morning, the Arch
bishop Of Canterbury, with renue OF mobiles, repaired
to Ksnsingon to announce to Ieen Victoria that shs
was ieen of EuglAnd. That morning she received bel
privy council More than hundred oil the highest dig
nitaIies OF the realm we're present. In the midst
them stood the maiden queen, her eyes moistened viii
tears When the herald announced her acce ssion to the
throne, che threw herself into her mothers arms aaC
wept uncontroaby. Wien her uncle, the Duke Of Sus
SEX knet at her feet take the oath Of aeg she
threw her around his neck aud sobbed out "Do
not kreel 10 me, my uncle. Ain l not still ViSto,il
your niece"
The morning Of the oornation arrived. Westminster
Abbey was decorated AID crowded IS never before
The queen with royal robe and golden daden surround
ed by ali the rank and spendor Of the court kneeed Of
| the altar The Archbishop of Canterbury then pro
elined aloud 81 here pres, n! unto you Victoria
the undoubted queen OF this realm" Tho queen then
| partook of the sacrement of the Lords supper. The
aisle and arches of the vast temple then sounded with
the psa oil the organ the sublime anthem sung
"Oome holy Ghost, our souls inspire" Aud the
cradle prelate placed the upon her brow shout
OF God the queen rose simultaneously from tie
lips OF the thousands who t1ropged the cathedral