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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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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.,
Volume 9 Page 271
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