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203 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
of the Royal Society, Dr. Browne, advocate, and several other gentlemen waited,
by appointment, on his Majesty, to present another address, w?iich had been
signed by Provost Learmonth, in the name of the inhabitants generally. This
address, which afterwards excited so great a sensation both .in this country and
on the Continent, was drawn up by Dr. Browne ; and that his Majesty might
be fully aware of its contents, a French translation had been placed in his
hands the previous evening. After a few words from the Lord Provost, Dr.
Browne proceeded to read the address, at one part of which, containing a
touching allusion to the Duc de Bordeaux, Charles was almost overcome by his
emotions. “I am unable,” said his Majesty, “to express myself in English;
but this (clasping the address to his heart) I will consewe as amongst the most
precious possessions of my family.” He then shook hands cordially with the
members of the deputation, all of whom retired, except some few friends who
waited to hear mass in the Oratory, which was celebrated by the Rev. (afterwards
Bishop) Gillies. When the service terminated, a great many ladies and
gentlemen of fashion paid their respects to his Majesty, the Duc d‘dngouleme,
and the young Duc de Bordeaux, who was a great favourite. In the hall of
the Palace a large party were also in waiting, with all of whom the King shook
hands and bade them adieu. On the outside the palace yard was filled with
people, many of whom wore white favours ; and when the royal exiles appeared
in the court, they were greeted with cheers and the waving of handkerchiefs.
The royal party then drove to Newhaven, where an immense crowd had
assembled. The Society of Newhaven Fishermen, with Thomas Wilson at
their head, formed a sort of body-guard, keeping clear the entrance to the
Chain-Pier, which was crowded with a large assemblage of respectable persons,
a great number of whom were ladies.’ After shaking hands with many whd
pressed forward to testify their respect, the royal party proceeded along the
pier, and descending the steps, which were covered with white cloth, they
embarked on board the Dart, and were speedily conveyed to the United
Kingdom, which, commanded by Mr. Paton of Leith, almost instantly proceeded
to sea.
A few gentlemen, amongst whom were Colonel Macdonell, the Rev. Mr.
Gillies, John ’Robison, Esq., and Dr. Browne, accompanied his Majesty to the
steam-ship, which they did not leave until she was under weigh. The distress
of the King, and particularly of the Dauphin, at being obliged to quit a country
to which they were so warmly attached, was in the highest degree affecting.
The Duc de Bordeaux wept bitterly j and the Duc d’dngouleme, embracing Mr.
Gillies a la Franfaise, gave unrestrained scope -to his overpowering emotions.
The act of parting with one so beloved, whom he had known and distinguished
in the salons of the Tuileries and St. Cloud, long before his family had sought
an asylum in the tenantless halls of Holyrood, quite overcame his fortitude, and
One of the Misses Williamson of Lixmount presented the King with a handsome white silk
favour, which hin Majesty received with great politeness and gallantry ; and, making a profound
bow, placed it on hia left breast.,