TALBOT6409

[This is an extract from a letter to WHFT's sister Horatia; she received the letter (see ) but it is now missing. This extract was sent to his wife, Constance; see the explanation in .]

Nothing could possibly be finer than the opening of the Great Exhibition ^<1> today. The weather was all that could be desired, bright without being hot; eminently favorable therefore to the crowd’s [sic] of pedestrians who preferred a walk of two miles to sitting in a string for 2 hours – When I left my hotel in Jermyn S^t at 9 oclock [sic] there was already a nearly motionless string of Carriages formed in that Street, the end of which was at the Crystal palace – When or how these carriages ever reached their destination, is a problem – After a bright and cheerful walk I entered the Eastern Gate of the Palace at ½ past 9 – It was already crowded, which determined me to lose no time in chusing [sic] a good position if such were to be found.

[sketch of layout]

I accordingly entered the gallery & chose a position at A, not exactly central, because a lofty crystal fountain at F obscured the view of the throne. I had some difficulty in maintaining my post at A against the assaults of Goths & Vandals & the still more difficult to resist, appeals of fair ladies who however by a delightful caprice soon “were sure that they could see better further on.” The building now became crowded in every part, & I amused myself for near 2 hours in looking for my friends with a most excellent opera glass. For to move away was impossible – At near 12 oclock [sic] loud shouts announced the approach of the Queen, ¹ and shortly after she entered, and prince Albert ² handed her to the throne, the P. of Wales ³ standing at her right hand, & in a line beyond him the P^ss Royal. ⁴ Behind y^e Queen stood the D^ss of Sutherland ⁵ & many ladies – Behind them a line of Soldiers in very handsome uniforms Behind them a line of beefeaters –

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The Q. was dressed in pink & white silver & wore the ribband of the Garter – She wore a necklace of diamonds. In her hand, a fan & a large bouquet –

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