The Virginia Gazette

From a LONDON PAPER.

LONDON, ad Flumen Thamesin, July 22, 1773.

[I] 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 Music saluted my Ear; and now, casting my Eye up the River, I beheld a stately Barge, superbly gilt, with gaudy Colours flying, gently gliding down the placid Stream. The Barge approached, and I discovered it to be that of the Gold-smiths Company. They hailed their Sovereign with three Cheers, and the Music played GOD SAVE THE KING. The Barge passed along. The Royal Personages now descended from their Car, The Queen took the little Infant, which sat between them on the Bottom of the Carriage, in her Arms; and, unattended, they proceeded to the Hovel on the Verge of the River. The Queen had the Key in her Pocket, with which his Majesty unlocked the Door, and took down the Shutters. And now a second magnificent Barge appeared, which I learned was that of the Grocers Company. By this Time most of the young Princes and Princesses were brought; and this Barge, like the former, saluted the Royal Family. One of the little Children danced upon the Green to the Music, and the joyful Spectators clapped their Hands, expressive of Applause. Their Majesties talked familiarly with Lord and Lady Buckinghamshire (who were walking on the Terras, without the Gardens) concerning the Barges and their Music; and, in short, appeared so affable, and so happy amidst their blooming Offspring, that every Spectator seemed to partake their Felicity. All together, Sir, the Scene was so uncommonly delightful that I question whether the most discontented Patriot could have beheld it without Pleasure.