[This is an extract from a letter to WHFT's sister Horatia; she received the letter (see Doc. No: 06421) but it is now missing. This extract was sent to his wife, Constance; see the explanation in Doc. No: 06410.]

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, ^<2> and shortly after she entered, and prince Albert ^<3> handed her to the throne, the P. of Wales ^<4> standing at her right hand, & in a line beyond him the P^ss Royal. ^<5> Behind y^e Queen stood the D^ss of Sutherland ^<6> & many ladies – Behind them a line of Soldiers in very handsome uniforms Behind them a line of beefeaters –

[hand-drawn line]

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 –

Post is going

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Notes:

The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations, Crystal Palace, popularly known as The Great Exhibition or The Great Exhibition of 1851; Hyde Park, London.

2. Victoria (1819–1901), Queen of the United Kingdom (1837–1901), Empress of India (1876–1901).

3. Prince Albert (1819–1861).

4. Edward VII (1841–1910), King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the British dominions and Emperor of India from 1901.

5. Victoria Adelaide Mary, Princess Royal (1840–1901).

6. Lady Harriet Elizabeth Georgiana Howard, Duchess of Sutherland. (d. 1868).