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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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308 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. Signet Hall. He then drove to the’palace of Holyrood House; and after being conducted through the public apartments, returned to the hotel. Next day (Sabbath) during the interval of public service, escorted by the Lord Provost, several of the Magistrates, and Sir Thomas Bradford, K.B., and his Staff, his Excellency visited the Castle, went into the Crown-Room, and saw the Regalia of Scotland. He inspected, different parts of the garrison, and appeared to be much pleased with the martial appearance of a small body of Highlanders then stationed in the Castle. In the course of the afternoon he repaired to Leith, viewed the new docks, pier, etc. Being slightly indisposed on Monday, his Excellency remained in the hotel ; but, on the following day, he visited the Register House, Heriot’s Hospital, and rode through several of the streets on horseback, attended by an officer of the Staff, and another gentleman. The same evening, after dining with the Lord Provost and a select party, he went to the Pantheon, accompanied by the then Lord Advocate (Sir William Rae, Bart.), the late Sir John Sinclair, and other gentlemen. The house was filled to overflowing with the rank and fashion of the city, and he was received with every mark of respect. On Wednesday the Ambassador was waited upon by the Earl of Glasgow, Sir William Elliot, and various persons of distinction, His Excellency afterwards proceeded to the Calton Hill, the hazy weather the day previous having induced him to postpone his visit. With the promenade round the hill, and the wide expanse of prospect afforded at every point, the Ambassador was highly gratified, and frequently stopping short to admire the scene before him, gave vent to his feelings of admiration by repeatedly exclaiming-“ grand,” “ very grand,” “the finest city in Europe,” etc. No prominent object escaped him ; and his minute inquiries sufficiently indicated the deep interest taken in what he witnessed. Requesting to be informed the meaning of the round tower erected on the grave of Hume, he expressed peculiar satisfaction on learning that the memorial marked where the ashes of the Historian of England were deposited. From the Calton Hill his Excellency rode down to Leith; and proceeding westward, by the Fort, returned to the hotel. On Thursday morning his Excellency departed for Hamilton Palace, on a visit to the Duke. On his way he breakfasted with the Earl of Morton at Dalmahoy. During his short stay in Edinburgh the attention he experienced from the public authorities, and others who attended him in his perambulations, called forth the most lively expressions of satisfaction. In the Print by Kay, the Mirza is represented in his riding-dress. When here, he might be in his forty-fourth or forty-fifth year. His manners were dignified, and courteous in his intercourse with the authorities and other gentlemen ; but his demeanour in the hotel did not accord so well with the refinement and amiableness of feeling attributed to him in the reminiscences of Lord Radstock and the other writer. Several females of respectability were insulted by him ;’ and it was necessary His Excellency entertained the idea that, on meeting, it was the custom here for gentlemen to One He salute the fair sex. moruing, when coming clown stairs, the youngest of them was encountered by the Amhassador. Two ladieu on a visit from London resided in the same hotel with him.
Volume 9 Page 409
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