ten and eleven the sun re-appeared, beaming in tinued pouring in, until the Green Park was one all his glory, and shedding his brightest reful- compact mass of persons. It presented a most gence on the scene.-The inhabitants of the me- extraordinary sight. Heads were seen rising one tropolis, and the countless numbers who had come above the other up Constitution-Hill, as regularto it from "all the country round," had nothing ly as though they had been packed together. now to interfere with their hopes, or to prevent While every spot of grass was concealed by the them from getting ready as soon as they pleased, multitude, the trees appeared bending under the and throwing themselves into the vortex of fes-weight of persons who took their stations on the tivity and rejoicing. The appearance of all the branches. Several large limbs broke down with streets leading towards the Parks was without ten or twenty men. We understand they were any parallel that we know of. The shops in severely bruised, but no lives lost. There could some streets were shut up; all were walking, not be a manifestation of more desire to share in or running, or riding in the same direction. It the general joy provided for all classes of his Mawas difficult to proceed in an opposite one. jesty's subjects. Myriads of persons of both sexes, of all ages, and of all ranks, in all their respective variety of dress, were seen flocking to the selected spots. A stranger dropped into the street, knowing nothing of the matter, might easily have supposed from the universal eagerness and interest, that some event was to take place far greater than even the splendid exhibitions which all were hastening to witness. Every disposition was made to give eclat to a Fete which may be termed national in every sense. The study of the able characters who have managed the whole, was to provide accommodations for all parties, and the happiness of all orders. Hyde Park was entirely open to the public, with a grand fair, possessing amusements and accommodation equal to the arrangements in the other Parks. The Green Park was also open to the people, with the Mall, to which the public had access up New-street and Spring-gardens, as far as Constitution Hill. The lower part of the Park, and the Bird-cage-walk, were reserved for such persons as chose to purchase tickets in order to avoid the crowd. Every precaution was taken for their happiness, comfort, and security-There were amusements in abundance, to gratify all; and to prevent the pressure that would have been felt at one general exhibition, all the amusements began nearly at one time, in consequence of which the body of spectators was separated by being drawn to distant parts of the Park, where the entertainments were going on. Having given a slight sketch of the general effect of the superb arrangements, and feeling ou the part of the public, we shall proceed to describe, as concisely as we can, the various amusements. INCLOSURE IN ST. JAMES's PARK. The company with tickets entered by Fluyderstreet, Storey's Gate, Buckingham Gate, and Queen's-square. Many of the nobility entered through Lord Melbourne's and other houses in the Park within the fence, which extended from the Horse Guards to the railway near the canal. There was also another fence enclosing Buckingham House and the lawn. The company found within the inclosure all that could charm the eye and delight the mind. On the south bank of the canal, tents were erected, to afford coolness and refreshment to the company. Between the tents appeared flags of all nations, with superb crescents, and stars of variegated lamps. The trees were entwined by lamps and pleasing ornaments of various descriptions. At some distance from the above range, there was another, consisting of large rooms for dancing, taverns, coffee-houses, and places affording comfortable refreshment. Nearly all the wherries on the canal were occupied by company, rowing up and down with bands of music, and all the appendages to a regatta Several wagers were disputed by the watermen, who pulled the length of the canal and back again to win the prize. The race was not given to the swift on this occasion, because judg ment was wanted rather than strength. The piece of water being narrow, the competitors found some difficulty in turning, and in that operation the last was frequently first. The company received great amusement by these trials of skill. By an excellent and judicious arrangement, no carriages or horsemen were permitted to enter the Parks, or remain stationary near the avenues. The gates remained shut all the forenoon, and the public were informed by notice, that they would not be admitted before two o'clock. They were also requested, for their own convenience, not to assemble round the doors before the ap- The spectators who paid half-a-guinea for adpointed time of admission. All the notices,mittance, and those who paid nothing were each which, we must say, were worded with delicacy surprisingly deceived. The half-guineas supand great respect for the people, were most punc-posed of course they would be placed in a situa tually and willingly obeyed. Constables were tion to see every thing the most curious, instead stationed at the New-street entrance, Spring- of which they were boxed up within the green gardens, and other entrances, but we did not inclosure of St. James's Park, where they saw bear of any improper conduct on the part of those the Canal, the boats, the Chinese bridge, the admitted. At two o'clock there was certainly a Pagoda, and the Balloon to be sure admirably; great rush into the Park, and the torrent con- but of the other and most beautiful parts of the No. 61 Vol. X. M entertainment they saw nothing. They did not delayed a few minutes, that her Majesty and thè attempt Hyde Park, supposing that to be a mere Princesses might witness the ascent. At twenty diversion, to draw off the mob; and of the great minutes past six, when the cords which held the Temple in the Green Park they saw nothing but || balloon were ready to be cut, it was found that the top and the rockets. The whole company the fastening which secures the network to the crowded to the gravel inside of Buckingham valve at the top of the balloon, had by some means Gate, where they could have a glimpse of the been disengaged, and was held only by a single Temple through the trees, and where they could twine. Under these circumstances, the new at the same time see the Chinese bridge over the aspirant to celestial excursions, Mrs. Henry Canal, from both of which rockets alternately and Johnson, was informed, that she could not posrapidly sprang; but the Temple being in a bol-sibly accompany Mr. Sadler in Iris voyage, with out imminent danger to both. Mrs. Johnson, still anxious to ascend, expressed her hope, that means might yet be devised to admit of her doing so with safety. The Duke of Wellington, who conversed with Mrs. J. on the subject, undertook to ascertain the fact; and his Grace was so fully convinced of the danger, that he strongly recommended Mr. Sadler to decline his voyage low, screened by large thick trees, nothing more than the very top point of it could be discovered. The half-guinea spectators saw nothing of its grandeur or beauty. Those, on the contrary, who paid nothing for admittance, saw every thing well; but supposing the best things would be selected for the view of the persons who paid, thousands of them left Hyde Park early, or declined going thither, thereby missing the grand-altogether. This enterprising young aeronaut, est sight exhibited, namely, the burning of the ships on the Serpentine. We were rather surprised to find so little in the musical way provided for the public. We heard nothing but a band now and then at the Queen's house, and something, we believe, occasionally near the Royal booth; but it was much missed in the Park. THE BALLOON. || however, feeling for the disappointment of the public, and for his own honour, was determined to go up, and he ascended about twenty-four minutes past six. Whilst the balloon was still hovering over the Park, he threw from it a number of small paper parachutes, with jubilee favors attached to them, bearing various inscriptions. When above the London Docks the balloon appeared for a short time nearly stationary, and it was not until a quantity of ballast was thrown The lawn in front of Buckingham House out, that a quicker motion could be given to it. was enclosed for the purpose of filling, and On passing over Deptford, at a considerable sending up a balloon. At five o'clock a most height, Mr. Sadler went through a cloud which magnificent aerial globe was sufficiently in-left behind it, on the railing of the car, and on flated, and nearly all the spectators crowded round the spot. The Queen, some time after, came with a party of the nobility who had taken an early dinner with her Majesty, to inspect the apparatus by which it was filling. Her Majesty was attended by the Duke of Wellington, Lord Liverpool, Lord Castlereagh, Lord Rivers, Lord Burghersh, Lord Buckinghamshire, the Marquis Wellesley, the Princesses, and several Peeresses. The noblemen all wore the full-dress Windsor uniform. Having returned to the house, her Majesty took her station with the Princesses at the centre window. On the lawn, within the railing, seats were placed for the nobility, many of whom were there. About six o'clock the car was brought to the balloon, to be fastened to the cords of the netting. It was remarkably neat, being formed of crimson silk, with yellow fancy ornaments, a rose-colour canopy and flags, bearing appropriate labels. Just before the balloon ascended, guns in Hyde-park announced the attack of the supposed enemy's fleet in the Serpentine, and a vast number left Constitution Hill and the Green Park in consequence. Notwithstanding the favourable weather in which Mr. Sadler, jun. ascended from St. James's Park on Monday the 1st of August, he encountered more danger than any recent aerial traveller whom we recollect. Though the balloon was ready to ascend about six o'clock, its flight was various parts of the balloon, a thick moisture, which soon became frozen; and Mr. Sadler, for a short time, felt the cold as intense as in winter. Immediately over Woolwich, the string which fastened the net, as was apprehended, suddenly broke, and the main body of the balloon was forced quickly through the aperture, nearly eighteen feet. Mr. Sadler, to prevent the danger which threatened him, caught the pipe at the bottom of the balloon, and by hanging on it and the valve line, he prevented the balloon from farther escaping. The valve, which had for some time resisted every attempt to open it, in consequence of being frozen, at this time gave way, and suffered the gas to escape. A sudden shift of wind, whilst the balloon was apparently falling into the middle of the Thames at Sea Reach, carried it about 100 yards over the marshes on the Essex side, when the aeronaut seized the opportunity of making a gash in the balloon with his knife, which the wind considerably widened, and occasioned the escape of the gas in great quantities. Mr. Sadler's descent on this account was rather more precipitate and violent than he could have wished. He landed, however, in Mucking Marshes, sixteen miles below Graves end, on the Essex coast, without sustaining any other injury than a slight sprain, in about forty minutes after his departure from the Park. A fisherman of the name of Mansbridge, fearing that the balloon might fall into the Thames, followed its course as nearly as he could with his boat, to afford any assistance in his power. works were intended to commence, the publie anxiety was relieved by the sound of the cannon in Hyde Park. The effect was most pleasing, not only from the rapidity of each echoing roar, succeeding to another, so as to produce upon the ear the liveliest sensations of the hour of battle, || but from the associations which the occasion excited in every breast. The naval heroes of England instantly became the topic of conversation Mr. Sadler, jun. arrived on Tuesday morning August 2d, a little before three o'clock, at the Queen's Palace, in a post chaise and four. He brought with him his balloon in the chaise, and had his car fastened on the roof. The arrangements connected with all the balloons exhibited on ths 1st of August, were under the superintend-in every circle, and their share in the splendid ance of Mr. Gyles, the master-cooper of the Royal Laboratory, and did that gentleman great credit. Her Royal Highness the Princess Charlotte of Wales was kindly invited to partake of the Jubilee Fete, which she, however, declined, giving || the preference to the association of her Royal || aunts at Windsor, whose indisposition prevent-lighted as to appear a structure of flaming gold. ed them also from being present on the joyous occasion. ILLUMINATIONS. At eight o'clock they began to illuminate the Pagoda and Chinese bridge. It is scarcely possible to give a just description of the effulgence produced by this magnificent structure. All that we have read or seen, with respect to brilliancy, falls very short indeed of these luminous objects. The two grand pillars, forming the ascent to the bridge, were crowned by suns, displaying in the centre G. P. R. The rail-way formed in the Chinese mode was admirably expressed. Each division was marked by lamps with great accuracy. Stone work on the side of the bridge was admirably made out by rows of lamps. On each side of the arch a grand star was raised on a pedestal, with a lozenge, which produced a most dazzling brilliancy. The top was adorned with stars that added to the beauty of the whole. The lights on the right and left of the canal produced a grand display of brilliancy. THE NAVAL ARCHWAY. This embellishment, which formed a bridge from the lawn of the Queen's House to the Green Park, was a tribute to our gallant officers in the navy. The names of "Howe, Duncan, St. Vincent, Collingwood, Broke, Saumarez, Exmouth," &c. were displayed in large letters, with chaplets of laurel. It was, on the whole, a most brilliant design. The mall of the Park was illuminated with Chinese lanterns, ornamented with picturesque and grotesque devices, and every tree had variegated lights intermingled with its foliage. Bands of music were stationed at various dis tances, and spaces were provided on different parts of the lawn; but, as we before observed, they were but few in number. FIRE-WORKS. Whilst the illuminations were in progress, and the spectators in anxious expectation of the approaching hour when the grand fire and happy occasion then celebrating was acknow. ledged with gratitude and with glory. About ten o'clock, the Chinese bridge was completely lighted up, Imagination cannot conceive an object more splendid and magnificent. The bridge, pillars, pagoda, &c. {were so completely The water beneath, reflecting the light of the bridge as well as of the stars and crescents on each side, and agitated by a thousand dashing oars, presented an appearance which it is impossible to describe for variety and grandeur. The temple was illuminated so as to appear a fortress, and to that quarter all eyes were instantaneously directed by the discharge of cannon, which was understood to announce the commencement of the fire-works. The public expectation was wrought to the highest pitch, and even exceeded by the result. It is impossible to give even a remote idea of the effect produced by the firing of guns in rapid succession against the temple, then presenting the appearance of a fortress, and the ascent of globes of fire, some burst || ing into the air in a thousand stars, and some rising in the most perfect brilliancy, all instantaneously proceeding from the Chinese bridge and the temple. The arrangement and variety of the fire-works were truly admirable. moment rockets rapidly pursued each other, and burst at such an extraordinary height in the air, that, in some instances, the explosion was scarcely heard. Again there appeared copious and magnificent clusters of rockets, stunning the ear with rapid and irregular explosions, varying in colour and in splendour, and intersecting each other in numberless irregular lines. At one Each of the Congreve rockets contains in itself a world of smaller rockets: as soon as it is dis charged from the gun, it bursts and flings aloft into the air innumerable parcels of flaine, brilliant as the brightest stars: the whole atmosphere is illuminated by the delicate blue light, which threw an air of enchantment over the trees and lawns, and made even the motley groups of universal London become interesting as an assembly in romance, These several smaller rockets then burst again, and a shower of fiery light descends to the earth, and extends over many yards. That sort of fire-work called the girandole was very frequently displayed, in different colours, and was decidedly the most beautiful of the whole. Nothing of the kind could be imagined finer. The spectators were equally astonished and de lighted by the grandeur and diversity of the fireworks during two hours, the period of their con tinuance, without intermission. Some of the most splendid and beantiful were seen to ascend from near the Royal Booth. When the appearance of the fire works seemed to slacken, the cannon again began to roar in the neighbourhood of the temple. Many guns were then fired in quick and terrific succession. A cloud of smoke was soon formed, so as completely to envelope the temple, hiding it wholly from the eyes of the spectators. The volumes of smoke and flame gave a complete image of "the dire hot breath of war" rolling along with terrific but pleasing grandeur. The chief fault of the amusement, however, was its insufferable length, in consequence of the wearisome repetition of the same fire-works. Whatsoever is not the object of reason, and sanctioned by its high ordinances, can not bear to be seen often. In the mean time, most unfortunately, the beautiful Chinese edifice on the bridge, from which many of the grandest fire-works were discharged, and which presented so fine an appearance, by some accident took fire. At first it was supposed that the building was not really affected, but the violence of the flames, and the descent of lighted fragments of wood into the water beneath, soon removed all doubt. The engines were brought to bear upon it so promptly, that the bridge was saved from destruction, even after part of it had taken fire. After the Pagoda had been burning for a considerable time it suddenly gave way, and the part from the third pyramid story to the top, fell blazing with a tremendous crash into the water. The engines having been ready on the spot, and brought to bear with great promptness and effect, soon succeeded in extinguishing the remainder. We regret to say, that two persons were understood to have been severely injured; both of whom are since dead. THE TEMPLE OF CONCORD. By this time the guns had ceased firing, and the temple began to appear, not only from the smoke of the guns having disappeared to a considerable degree, but from the extraordinary change in its own appearance. It now presented an appearance of astonishing grandeur and brilliancy as the Temple of Peace. So magnificent was the spectacle presented to the eye, that it was received with an immediate and universal burst of applause. The whole fabric was so completely illuminated as to appear a building of fire, but having, at the same time, the pedestal, pillars, and all the other parts distinctly and accurately visible, with all the decorations. The upper and lower pictures on each side are connected in subjects, those beneath being sequels to those above; they are illustrative of he origin and effects of war the deliverance of Europe from tyranny-the restoration of the Bourbons by the aid of the allies-the return of peace, and its happy consequences-and the triumph of Britain under the government of the Prince Regent. On the first side, Strife, as described by the ancient poets, is represented as expelled from heaven, and sent to excite dissensions among inen. Jupiter is seen (accompanied by other divinities) dismissing her from above, and the inhabitants of the earth are flying, terrified at her approach. The lower picture represents the effects of her descent. On one side, the Cyclops are forging implements of war-Mars, in his car, driven by Bellona, and hurried on by the Furies, is overturning all before him. In the back ground are seen towns on fire, and a desolated plain. In front are, Charity flying in dismay-Truth and Justice quitting the earth-and Hope lingering behind. The second side represents Europe struggling with Tyranny. He is tearing off her diadem, and trampling on her balance-at his feet, among emblems of Religion, Justice, &c. Liberty lies prostrate-Wisdom brandishing the fulmen, is descending to the rescue of Europe. In the picture beneath, the genius of France is restoring the sceptre to the dynasty of the Bourbons, personified by a female seated on a throne, in a regal mantle, ornamented with fleur de lis. On one side of her Britannia, Spain, and Portugal, and on the other Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Sweden, are witnessing the event with delight-a groupe of subjects behind are expressing their joy and homage, and Genii are descending with emblems of Peace, Plenty, Justice, Honour, Liberty, Religion, &c. At one end of the composition, Strength is driving out Anarchy, is inscribing on a shield the names of the great Fraud, and Rebellion at the other end, Victory Commanders of the allied powers, and Fame is sounding her trumpet. On the third side, Peace is seen in the clouds with her olive branch; Time looks at her with transport, and the Earth hails ber return. Beneath is represented her reign, or the return of the golden age. She is surrounded by Plenty, the rural Deities, Agriculture, Commerce, the Arts, Minerva, and the Muses. The fourth side displays a colossal statue of the Prince Regent crowned by Victory-Disorder is chained by Force to the pedestal-Truth and Justice are returning on earth-and Britannia is looking up to heaven with gratitude for the blessings of his government. Below is the triumph of Britain-Britannia is in a car of state, accompanied by Neptune with his trident, and Mars displaying the British standard-Fame and Victory attend upon her she is preceded by Prudence, Temperance, Justice, and Fortitude, and followed by the Arts, Commerce, Industry, and the Domestic Virtues. The Royal Booth and the adjoining gallery were illuminated by the names of the officers of the army, in vivid letters, formed by lamps. The effect was graud in every part of this extensive arrangement, and creditable to the taste of those who conceived and executed it. HYDE PARK. Hyde Park, without the advantages of pagodas or fortresses, was not without its share of attraction; its extent of view, the openness of the scene, and consonant coolness of the air, would of themselves have made it a refuge from the deep and close sultriness of the other Parks. But if it had neither tower nor temple, it had booths in profusion, and (never to be forgotten) the wide and peopled magnificence of the Serpentine. The booths had, since Sunday, (July 29,) been growing in all their dimensions with surprising variety and rapidity. Nothing could be more luxuriant, various, and finely disdainful of regularity, than their whole growth. In Milton's phrase, any thing approaching to an adequate description. The naval display commenced by an action between two British and two American frigates. The first broadside was hardly fired when ample testimony was borne to the propriety of choosing such a spectacle for the gratification of Englishmen. No sooner was the first shot heard, than the general anxiety for the honour of our trident was so great, that the shows and booths poured out their myriads, who rushed upon the shores of the Serpentine, to cheer our brave tars with their presence, and share the honour of the naval flag. Porter at once lost all the unbounded influence of its nature and its name. Romeo ranted and Juliet whined to spectators who possessed no faculty but motion, and who knew no anxiety but seeing the battle. Even the balloon, with all its silks and flags, its cars and gases, failed to rivet its admirers, and of poor Mr. Sadler it might fairly be said that it was all up with him, even before he ascended from the earth-for the fight had begun. The Yankee frigates lay at anchor, the English of course were no sooner under sail than they made all possible haste to be with them; the English had no sooner weighed anchor than they felt the effect of a fine top-gallant breeze from the west, and under close reefed topsails they came down upon the enemy most gallantly. The action was commenced by a broadside from the English vessel, the moment she got alongside the enemy, which was quickly returned; the former then luffed, passed under the stern of the Yankee, and raked her as she passed; then "Nature revels here, in all her virgin fancies, "Wild without art or rule-enormous bliss." Booths round, square, triangular, and polygonal, waving with flags of all nations; ensigns fabricated of those habiliments which once enjoyed other honours on the forms of female love-ranging on her starboard beam, she poured in a liness and manly vigour; dilapidated petticoats, pantaloons with a single leg, old sheets glittering with the insignia of the Regent, and fac-similes of the illustrious Wellington, covered the ground for many an acre. But all senses had been consulted. To those whose eye or ear holds precedence of their appetite, ample indulgence was offered in the hereditary wit of Punch and his wife, and the higher and more solemn attractions of Messrs. Scowton's, Richardson's, and Gyngell's Theatres, which were constructed by their respective owners with an expedition that might put many a pronder architect to shame. In short, they were ready for the reception and amusement of their guests by the time their guests were ready for them, which is more than can be said of some of the more magnificent edifices. second broadside, and a desperate cannonade was Thus naval matters this is not the case: to such an exThe English are a reasonable people, but in tent is this exception carried, that even our sailors are not contented with the wonders they perform, but are ever on the watch for new and unheard-of perils and unparalleled triumphs. The thousands who loaded the shores of the Ser pentine appeared to be actuated by this feeling: not content with the glory of the day, they betrayed a most ardent avidity for new victoriesthe cause was obvious. A French fleet of six sail of the line (the Admiral's ship a three-decker) lay at anchor, a British fleet of equal force was in sight-it did not require the spirit of prophecy to foresee the consequences. |