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FUNERAL OF LORD VISCOUNT Hospital were thrown open to admit the crowd that pressed for entrance. -A proper force of volunteers and po

NELSON.

THE funeral obsequies of the illustri lice officers were stationed to prevent

ous NELSON have been solemnised in a stile of magnificence and grandeur, that does equal honour to the memory of the departed Hero, and to the feelings of a grateful nation. The preparations for the ceremony were ordered, by special royal authority, to be upon a scale the most splendid and extensive possible fo be accomplished, and the public have participated in the same sentiments of regard for martial virtue, when they contemplated with admiration the most solemn, sublime, and affecting spectacle they ever witnessed. The article, though long, will be perused years hence with considerable interest.

On the 4th of December, the Victory, Capt. T. M. Haray, arrived at Portsmouth from Gibraltar, with the remains of the immortal Nelson. It was intended by Lord Collingwood to have sent home the body by the Euryalus frigate; but the crew of the Victory remonstrated with his Lordship against parting with so precious a relick, and their feelings on such an occasion were kindly gratified. On the appearance of the Victory at St Helen's, all the ships there and in the harbour lowered their flags half-mast, and fired minute guns. As the ship had only jury-masts, and required other repairs, it was not till the 12th that she sailed for the Nore, where she arrived on the 28th. Next day the body was put on board one of the King's yachts, and carried up to Greenwich hospital, where most extensive preparations were made in the Painted Chamber for its lying in state.

On Sunday the 5th January, conformable to official orders issued from the Secretary of State's office, the public exhibition of the illustrious Nelson lying in state, accordingly commenced.At an early hour in the morning, the road from the metropolis was covered with carriages and foot passengers of every description, as was also below bridge the River with boats filled with anxious spectators, and by nine o'clock the town of Greenwich was crowded with visitors of every rank and degree. It was not however till 12, after divine service, that the great gates of the Fen, 1806.

any confusion, and only 500 persons were to be suffered to pass at a time, who, having indulged their curiosity, were directed to go out at an opposite gate, while an equal number should succeed them. This order, however, was rendered unavailing, from the overwhelming crowd impetuously rushing forward, and bearing down every thing in its way. The scene now became very alarming. The most frightful female skrieks assailed the ear. Several persons were trodden under foot, and greatly hurt. One man had his eye literally torn out, by coming in contact with one of the gate posts. Vast numbers of Ladies and Gentlemen lost their shoes, hats, shawls, and the Ladies fainted in every direction. When those alarming perils were surmounted, the crowd had another difficulty to overcome before they could gratify their eager curiosity, namely, to ascend the great flight of steps which lead into the Painted Hali, where the solemn scene is exhibited. Happily no accident happened here during the whole of the day, which may be accounted for by the good conduct of the officers and privates belonging to the Greenwich volunteers. Every obstacle being overcome, the crowd passed upinto the Painted Clamber on the right hand side, and returned on the left.

The hall was hung with black cloth, and lighted up with 28 silver sconces, with two wax candles in each. Ascending seven steps, (at the upper end of the hall) the coffin appeared placed on a bier, covered likewise with black velvet, and very fully adorned with gilt nails. The foot of the coffin only was uncovered. At the head appeared the senatorial robes, &c. belonging to the deceased.

The inside coffin is composed of a fragment of the mainmast of the great French ship l'Orient, of 120 guns, which blew up in the battle of the Nile on the 1st of August 1798. It was picked up by order of Sir Edward Berry, and presented to the Admiral, who accepted and carefully preserved it for the purpose, as his Lordship declared, of being made his coffin. The intention has been actually fulfilled. This inside cof

fin

fin is put into a leaden one, which is soldered up, and the whole placed in a large coffin of elm. Altogether it was computed to weigh more than four cwt. The following were the principal ornaments and devices on the external coffin:

The Head-Piece (No. 1.) is a correct copy of the allegorical engraving, lately published to the memory of Lord Nelson. It represents a monument supported by Eagles, the emblems of victory, with the portrait of the deceased Hero in basso relievo, surmounted by an Urn, containing his Ashes; over which reclines the figure of Grief. At the base are seen the British Lion, with one of his paws laid on the Gallic Cock, Sphinxes, and other trophies, intended to commemorate the memorable victory which the gallant Admiral obtained on the shores of Egypt, and to indicate, that he might fairly claim the sovereignty of the Ocean.

No. 2. Is a Viscount's Coronet. (Next follows the plate with the inscription.)

No. 3. Is the first crest granted to him by his Majesty after the battle off Cape St Vincent, when his Lordship boarded and took the San Josef; the motto is "Faith and Works."

No. 4. Is a weeping Figure, a cast from an antique, wrapt up in drapery, &c. The face is hid, and it is altother one of the most chaste and exquisite symbols of grief that we have ever seen. All the foregoing ornaments and devices are on the lid of the coffin.

No. 5. Is affixed to the left-hand side of the coffin next to the head; it represents the British Lion holding the Union Flag.

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No. 6. Is the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, with the motto Tria juncta in Uno."

No. 7. Which is directly in the centre, is a beautiful composition of Britannia and Neptune, riding triumphant on the Ocean, drawn by Sea-horses, and led by Fame, while Neptune is pointing to a shield, which bears this motto, "Viro Immortali."

No. 8. Is the Order of St Ferdinand, which he received from the King of Naples, with its motto, "Fide et Merito."

No, 9. Is a Crocodile, an attribute of the glorious victory of the Nile.

No. 10. Is placed at the foot of the coffin; it is a Naval Trophy of appropriate composition.

No. 11. Is affixed on the right side of the coffin, towards the foot; it represents a Dolphin.

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No. 12. Is the order of St Joachim, transmitted to him by the Emperor Paul, as Grand Master of the Knights of Malta, with its Motto, "Junxit nos Amor."

No. 13. In the centre, on the left hand, are again Britannia and Neptune, riding triumphant on the Ocean, drawn by Sea-horses, &c. as before.

No. 14. Is the Order of the Grand Crescent, which was transmitted to the Noble Admiral by the Imperial Sultan, after the glorious battle of the Nile.

No. 15. Is a Sphynx, the emblem of Egypt.

No. 16. At the the head of coffin other naval and military trophies, with his Lordship's arms on a shield.

The plate on the coffin was of solid gold, 13 inches by 9, and contained the following inscription:-

DEPOSITUM.

The Most Noble Lord HORATIO
NELSON,

Viscount and Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of

Burnham Thorpe, in the County of
Norfolk;

Baron Nelson of the Nile, and of Hilborough in the said County; Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath;

Vice-Admiral of the White Squadron of the Fleet; and

Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean: Also

Duke of Bronte in Sicily; Knight Grand Cross of the Sicilian Order of St Ferdinand, and of Merit; Member of the Ottoman Order of the Crescent;

Knight Grand Commander of the Order of St Joachim.

Born September 29, 1758. After a series of transcendant and heroic Services, this Gallant Admiral fell gloriously in the moment of a brilliant and decisive victory over the Combined Fleets of France and Spain, off Cape Trafalgar, on the 21st of October 1805.

Six

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Six Gentlemen from the College of Arms were seated near the coffin, in full dress, bags and swords, two at the head and four at the foot, who were occasionally relieved by six others. Naval officers in their uniform were also stationed round the body as mourners, and the whole area was lined by the Greenwich volunteers, with arms reversed, &c.

At a few paces from the coffin were placed ten flags, emblematical, with the word Trafalgar in the centre of each. At the foot of the coffin was a smaller flag, and on a direct line, at the platform, appeared one of the same description, but of much larger proportion. To do justice to the crowd, they were not wanting in respect. Every countenance expressed, more or less, the most becoming feelings on the occasion.

Notwithstanding the immense number of people who were gratified this day by admission to the solemn spectacle, and many other thousands of whom went away unsatisfied, at finding an entrance wholly impracticable; the concourse on Monday was even greater, and from nine in the morning, until four in the afternoon, the rushing torrent of the multitude was so impetuous, that numbers experienced similar disasters, and in many instances severely unfortunate; many were crushed in a dreadful manner, in the competition for entrance through passages so narrow; others were beaten down by the impetuosity of those who rushed forward from behind, and were severely trampled -in many cases almost to death-Shoes, pattens, muffs, tippets, coat-sleeves, skirts of pelices and gowns, without number, were despoiled from their ow ners, and trampled in the mud: and, though the guards were more numerous, more vigilant and peremptory, than on Sunday, still it was scarcely possible to check the impetuosity of the multitude, or prevent the entrances to the great hall from being carried by force.

perhaps, the most brilliant of all the gems that ever decorated the Naval Crown of England.

Tuesday being the third day, the crowd of spectators was still greater and more eager for admission than on the former days. But the Governors of the Hospital had the precaution to get a large party of the King's life guards, who were judiciously posted in different divisions at the several avenues, which prevented the impetuosity of the multi. tude, by which the former serious acci dents had happened. At the steps leading to the entrance of the great hall, the pressure was at one time so great, that several ladies fainted, and were carried out. No other mischief occurred. A great number of the nobility and of military gentlemen atten ed this day to pay their respects to the memory of departed heroism. A small alteration was made in the arrangement of the funeral saloon. The sable pall was cast from the coffin, which was fully exposed to view, with the cushion bearing the coronet placed upon it.

At four o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, a brig arrived at Greenwich from Chatham, with a chosen band of 60 seamen and marines, belonging to the Victory, under the command of Lieut. Brown, who were intended to join in the procession. Lord Hood, the Governor, being informed of their arrival, immediately proceeded to the north gate, accompanied by a party of the river fencibles, armed with their pikes, and ordered the heroes of Trafalgar, to come on shore. The brig hauled alongside the quay, and the brave tars jumped ashore, amid the warmest acclamations of an immense multitude. His Lordship desired them to stow their baggage in a ward of the Hospital, (each of them having a hammock), and they should be gratified with a view of their heroic Leader's body lying in state, which he was sure, however, would be to them no pleasant sight. The brave fellows bowed assent to this remark. The hall being entirely cleared of stran

Within, however, all was conducted with order. The volunteers posted in the area of the elevated saloon, roundgers, they were accordingly conducted the farther end of which the spectators passed to view the coffin, continued to urge onward the multitude at a quick pace; so that none could indulge more than a short and sorrowful glance at that mournful casket which contained,

to the funeral scene. They eyed the coffin which contained the remains of their beloved hero, with melancholy admiration and respect, while the manly tears glistened in their eyes, and stole reluctant down their weather-beaten

cheeks.

cheeks. On the return of this brave band to the parade in front, they were received by the river fancibles with presented pikes, while a deep and af. fecting silence reigned throughout the crowd during their march.

PROCESSION FROM GREENWICH TO THE ADMIRALTY.

Wednesday the 8th being the day appointed for the public funeral procession, at an early hour in the morning the road from town to Greenwich exhibited a numerous train of mourning coaches, each drawn by four horses, in progress from the Admiralty to Greenwich, in which were the Admirals, Naval Officers, and Pursuivants at Arms, and other officers in the solemn procession. These were shortly afterwards followed by the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the City of London, with the Master, Wardens, and Officers of the several companies, all in mourning, and in their res, ective carriages. The whole arrived at the western gate, in succession, about eleven o'clock, and were set down in order at the Governor's house.

The Life Guards, who had arrived at a much earlier hour in the morning, were posted at the gates; and persons not connected with the ceremony were not permitted to enter.

At twelve, the whole of the persons appointed to attend the ceremonial being arrived, a gun was fired from one of the River Fencible boats, as the ap. pointed signal for an immediate, assemblage in the Great Painted Chamber, whence the corpse was to be conveyed.

A lane of guards, consisting of the Greenwich and Deptford Volunteers, was formed across the grass plat be. tween the houses of the Governor and Deputy Governor, to the northern gate, opening to the River; another lane was also formed by the River Fencibies, armed with their swords and pikes, from the Volunteer line to the entrance of the Painted Chamber.

At half past twelve precisely, the procession began to move forwards, passing through the lines of Volunteers, who received it with presented arms.

The whole passed onward through the north gate, down the steps, to the River side, along the causeway, and to

the barges, the drums and trumpets halting, and continuing to play.

The body being placed on board the State Barge, the several members of the procession took their places on board their appointed barges, when the Lord Mayor of London, Corporation, &c. proceeded from the Painted Chamber, uncovered, to the River side, and went on board their respective barges, appropriately decorated for this solemn occasion, the great bell over the south east colonade chiming a funeral peal the whole time.

The ceremonial for the public funeral procession having been arranged at the Herald's office, by command of his Majesty, and published in the London GaZette, the solemnity accordingly took place in the following order:

First Barge-covered with black cloth. Drums-Two Trumpets, with their banners in the steerage.

The Standard at the head-the Guidon (borne by Captain Durham,) and supported by two Lieutenants of the Royal Navy, in full uniform coats, with black waistcoats, breeches, and stockings, and crape round their arms and hats.

Two Pursuivants of Arms, in close mourning, with their tabards over their cloaks, and hatbands with scarfs. Servants of the deceased in mourning. Second Barge-covered with black cloth.

Four Trumpets in the steerage. Officers of Arms, habited as those in the first barge, bearing the Surcoat, Target, and Sword, Helm and Crest, and the Gauntlet and Spurs of the deceased.

The Banner of the deceased, as a Knight

of the Bath, at the head, (borne by Capt. Rotheram.)

The Great Banner with the Augmentations, (borne by Captain Moorsom,) and supported by two Lieutenants habited as those in the first barge. Third Barge-covered with black velvet, the top adorned with plumes of black feathers, and in the centre, upon four shields, the Arms of the deceased, joining in point, a Viscount's CoroThree Bannerolls of the family lineage of the deceased, on each side, affixed to the external parts of the barge.

net.

Six

Six trumpets, with their banners as be

fore in the steerage.

Six Lieutenants of the Royal Navy, habited as those in the other barges one on each Banneroll. THE BODY, covered with a large sheet, and a pall of velvet, adorned with Six Escutcheons. Clarencieux, King of Arms, habited as the other officers of Arms, and bearing at the head of the Body a Viscount's Coronet, upon a black velvet cushion.

At the head of the barge the Union Flag of the United Kingdom borne by Capt.

Fourth Barge-covered with black cloth. Chief Mourner-Admiral Sir Peter Parker, Bart.

Train Bearer to the Chief Mourner

Hon. Captain Blackwood. Supporters to the Chief Mourner—Admirals, Lords Hood and Radstock. Six Assistant Mourners-Vice-Admirals Caldwell, Hamilton, Nugent, Bligh, Sir Roger Curtis, and Sir C. M. Pole, Barts. Four Supporters of the Pall-Vice-Admirals Whitshed, Savage, Taylor,

and Rear-Admiral E: Harvey. Six bearers of the Canopy-Rear Admirals Alymer, Domett, T. Wells, Drury, Sir Isaac Coffin, and Sir W. H. Douglas;

All in mourning clokes over their respective full uniform coats, black waistcoats, breeches, and stockings,

crape round their arms and hats. The Banner of Emblems (borne by Captain T. M. Hardy,) and supported by two Lieutenants habited as those in the other Barges.

The State barge was rowed by 24 seamen of the Victory, the other barges by picked men from the hospital.

The barge of his Majesty, and that of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral, followed singly; and immediately after, the Lord Mayor in the City State Barge, followed by the barges of the several companies of the City of London, singly, according to their rank; their respective colours half-staff.

The private barges which followed the Lord Mayor's, were the barge with the Committee specially appointed by the Corporation of London on occasion

of the funeral; the barge of the Corporation for improving the navigation of the river Thames; and the respective barges of the companies of Drapers, Fishmongers, Goldsmiths, Skinners, Merchant Tailors, Ironmongers, Stationers, and Apothecaries.

The procession was flanked by gun. boats and row boats of the River Fencibles; three of which preceded to keep the river clear for the line of procession, and three guarded the rear.

The coup d'œil was sublime and impressive beyond description. The mournful attire, more or less deep, from a crape on the arm, to the very deepest; the oars painted black, the minute guns of the River Fencibles, and those of the Tower while the procession passed it, the splendid barges of the City Companies decorated with the flags of all nations, but above all, the immense crowd assembled on every side to behold a sight which gave rise to sensations at

once the most mournful and the most

exalted: all these things combined, excited ideas never perhaps before felt together, and impressed the mind with feelings the most awful, the most sublime, and most interesting.

The whole in the above order, with the flood tide in their favour, though the wind against them, proceeded up the River for London; the boats of the River Fencibles firing minute guns the whole way to Whitehall stairs, where past three. The whole of the boats the procession arrived precisely at half the order of a crescent, suffering the then drew up, and formed columns, in barge with the body to shoot a-head, and pass the stairs some short distance. It then tacked, and brought to at the landing place, when the coffin was landed and received with military honours, under a sable canopy, decorated with the armorial insignia of the deceased, &c. sent from the Admiralty for its reception.

The different members of the procession then landed in their order, and formed in Whitehall Yard, in the same arrangement in which they proceeded from Greenwich Hospital. The procession was here joined by Garter Principal King at arms, who took his station immediately after the corpse; and the coffin being placed on a bier, carried by eight seamen of the Victory, the

whole

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