| Citation |
VGW(HU.773.149
11 Nov 1773:13 (1163)
From a London paper, Sion, July 22, 1773. Thursday evening,
the finest I ever beheld, I was accidently entertained with
one of the most agreeable scenes that the most luxuriant
imagination can possibly paint. I happened to be seated,
with my fishing rod, on the banks of that delightful meadow
which is opposite to the King's little summer house in
Richmond Gardens. The first object which caught my
attention was the Sovereign, with his amiable Queen, in a
low four-wheeled carriage, as if taking the air in the
garden, without attendants. They stopped; distant musick
saluted my ear; and now, casting my eye up the river, I
beheld a stately barge, superbly gilt, with gaudy colours
flying, gently sliding down the placid stream. The barge
approached, and I discovered it to be that of the Goldsmiths
Company. They hailed their Sovereign with three cheers, and
the musick played God Save the King. . . And now a second
magnificent barge appeared, which I learned was that of the
Grocers Company. . . and this barge, like the former,
saluted the Royal Family. One of the little children danced
upon the green to the musick, and the joyful spectators
clapped their hands, expressive of applause. . .
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