STATE FUNERAL OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume III, Issue 117, 2 April 1853, Page 5

STATE FUNERAL OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON.

The Nimrod whaler, out of Hobarton, put into Port Albert on Saturday last, bringing English news to the 24th November, and Tasmanian to the 26th February. We have been kindly furnished with a few Hobarton and Tasmanian papers, from which we extract the following account of part of the ceremony attending the Duke's funeral,: the further particulars are wanting from the incompleteness of the files, nor do we gather any news of importance beyond the one absorbing event. THE SCENE AT THE HOESE GUARDS. This point, as might naturally be expected, from being the: place at which the great procession should be formed that was to marshal the remains of the great and illustrious Duke to their final resting place, was at an early hour, even while the morning was as yet but dimly gray, sought by large body of respecta-bly-dressed persons eager to pay their respects to his memory, and take a last view of that which contained all that was mortal of the departed hero. The public were admitted without any difficulty through Storey's (gate entrance into the enclosure, but no person, with the exception of those destined to take part in the procession, officers in uniform, and [the police, were allowed to enter the park ; so that the entire space being clear, afforded an uninterrupted view to every person who had taken a station within the enclosure. Indeed, the general understanding that appeared to prevail, that no person would be allowed to enter the park, no doubt tended to prevent the attendance of thousands of persons who were most anxious to witness the solemn and imposing spectacle. To those who were not under the impression of a total exclusion, the closing of the gates at eight o'clock precisely had the effect in many instances of preventing an attempt being made to reach the place at that hour. The consequence was, that along the entire length of the Mall the greatest facility was afforded for a perfect viewfor a long distance; in no place was the least inconvenience experienced, and in many parts of the front standing places within even a few feet of the cortege itself were totally unoccupied.

At the hour of seven o'clock, the troops on the parade in front of the Horse Guards began to display considerable activity, but with that order and precision, free from the slightest confusion, that bore ample proof of the care and attention with which the arrangements had been made. The Ist batallion of grenadier guards was the first to form in line near the mortar, the rifle brigade, under the command of Capt. Laurence following, and after them the 33rd regiment of foot, Col. Willis, the royal marines from Chatham, the horse artillery, and the band of the Marines of the Woolwich division.

A more signal note of preparation for the imposing ceremony was announced precisely at seventeen minutes before eight o'clock by the discharge of the first of the seventeen guns to be fired in honour of the deceased warrior; which were continued at intervals of a minute until eight o'clock, giving a sort of melancholy announcement or prelude to what was about to follow.

Precisely as the last or seventeenth gun was fired, the six batallions of infantry included in the procession took open order, the rifle brigade being the first to advance, which they did with arms reversed, the band playing the Dead March in " Saul." On approaching the large tent, which was erected in front of the Horse Guards, under which the funeral car was placed, and on which reclined the coffin containing the remains of the Duke, the whole of the men presenting arms and filed off towards the Mall. They were then followed by the royal marines, of the Chatham division, with the band belonging to the Woolwich division ; and here one of the most interesting features of the procession presented itself. As the sound of the band of the rifle brigade was dying away in the distance the air was caught up by the regiment that followed, which was continued throughout the,line. The household troops were the last of the infantry to move from the ground, the fusilier guards, according to funeral etiquette,, taking precedence of the Coldstream guards, the grenadier guards bringing up the rear. After'the household troops followed the nine guns of the field battery, and eight guns of the

royal horse artillery, under the command of Col. Whinyates, R.A.

The last body of the infantry left the Horse Guards at a quarter before nine.

The cavalry regiments were stationed near the Duke of York's column, between that point and Carlton Gardens, where theyjoined the infantry, who had preceded them, the royal horse guards (blue) being in advance, followed by the 6th dragoon guards, the 3rd dragoons, the Bth hussars, the 13th light dragoons, and the 17th. lancers.

C. S. Lefevre, Esq., the Speaker of the House t of Commons, preceded by marshalmen on foot, in his state official carriage, then entered the line, followed by his sergeant-at-mace. A large number of the representatives of the public bodies then followed.

The procession then slowly advanced up the Mall, and the rest of those who had the privilege of taking part in the procession having passed, the chief interest of the scene was now felt to be approaching, and a few moments was to reveal to the eyes of the assembled thousands the colossal car with its magnificent decorations, and the coffin containing the remains of that great hero whose exploits had filled the pages of history, who had secured the nation's glory, and who had consolidated her liberties on a firm and secure basis. To the remains of such a man—the hero of a hundred fights, the warrior, the statesman—a grateful country were now assembled to do honour, and by their presence—orderly, respectful, and decorous—to offer a last tribute of their respect for his services to his country.

A few minutes of anxious expectation were passed, and the car was drawn forth, and to say that it was imposing in the extreme would but faintly convey an idea of the magnificence of its general appearance, and the elaborate nature of its details. No sooner had it emerged from the tent, drawn by twelve horses, than the greatest interest was simultaneously manir tested ; every head was uncovered, and the thousands gazed in silent reverence at the object that now met their view. The hero of the Peninsula, of India, of Waterloo—whose fame had resounded through all quarters of the globe—was now laid prostrate in death on the small space which had been allotted for it on the bier. No one could gaze on it without being duly impressed and struck with the truth of the phrase, "Sic transit gloria mundi." It proceeded towards the Mall at a very slow and solemn pace, when an incident occurred which for some time stopped its further progress. In consequence of its great weight, the earth nearly opposite the steps leading to the Duke of York's column gave way, and the whole became completely embedded, and resisted the powerful exertions of the horses by which it Avas drawn. At length some ropes were obtained, and being attached, a large body of police by their united efforts succeeded in extricating the vehicle from this temporary difficulty. The spectators who crowded the steps viewed the whole matter with considerable anxiety, and fears were entertained that this unfortunate incident would mar the whole proceedings. The car then proceeded, and when arriving off Carlton-terrace, which was crowded by thousands of persons, the same marks of respect were shown to the remains of the duke as has heretofore been described.

Her Majesty, the Princess Royal, and the Prince of Wales, occupied the centre window of Buckingham-palace, and Her Majesty was noticed, as the body of the illustrious duke passed the spot, to pay a deep and marked attention, and to point it out to the juvenile branches of the royal family. Her Majesty was noticed by the crowd with a respectful but silent demeanour, but without any attempt to disturb the solemnity of the scene by any other demonstration. Here the procession was joined by Prince Albert, wearing the uniform of a fieldmarshal, and drawn in a carriage and six. He was immediately recognised by the assembled crowd, and respectfully bowed his acknowledgments to their salutations. The procession was also increased by several other carriages of the royal family, immediately after which was an object that rivetted general attention—it was the horse that had so long been ridden by his Grace, led by a groom, bearing his boots with the spurs attached, which we°re placed in the stirrups reversed. After this came detachments from every regiment in the kingdom. The senior regiments / proceeded first, and so followed in order, but/ the company which more particularly excited

attention were the Highlanders, with their unique costume, and their splendid band, which was played the greater part of the distance between Sit. James's palace and Buckingham palace. Scarcely less prominent were the men composing the deputation from the 16th lancers who bore their numerous medals without any'single exception. A squadron of the life guards closed the procession, and in this order they proceeded to Apsley-house. Soon after the cortege had passed, the Queen, accompanied by the Princess Royal and the Prince of Wales, set off in a carriage to St. James's palace. Her Majesty was accompauied by the ladies in wailing in two carriages. THE CEREMONIAL AT ST. PAUt's. Prior to the entry of the solemn cavalcade, we will glance at the interior of that vast cathedral, filled with a crowd of anxious spectators awaiting in breathless suspense the coming of the relics of the deceased warrior. A breathless hush followed the whisper that flew around the cathedral announcing the arrival in sight of the western porch of the head of that procession that was bearing the remains of the dead Wellington to its last resting place. In the centre of the area much interest was excited by the narrow space underneath which lay the gallant Nelson ; and down which by an ingenious adaption of the pulley and the windlass, the body of England's hero, the Iron Duke was to descend. An opening had been broken through the pavement down to the crypt beneath, which was covered by a wooden framework, covered with black cloth. Narrow, indeed, was that opening for the greatness of glory that was to go through it to the grave. The noble organ had not been moved. It closed the vista from the nave on entering, and surmounted two high banks of seats, filled by the singers. In the centre of these was an opening, through which appeared the gates of the choir, a portion of the cathedral reserved for the clergy and the choristers, the latter numbering about 100. Above the organ the view was finished in by the gilded roof over the high altar, and by the lines, of light cut into, and brought out even more prominently, by the various projections of pilasters and cornice which here came more effectively into review.

The floor of the nave and the circle beneath the dome was one gorgeous vision of banners, heraldic insignia, and uniforms, tempered by the gravity of ecclesiastical costume.

The Earl Marshal, having had intimated to him the desire of the Duchess of Wellington, Lady Charles Wellesley, and other near relatives of the departed warrior, to be present at the obsequies of their distinguished parent, accorded them one of the upper small galleries on the north-west side of the area, under the dome, where her grace and Lady Charles in privacy obtained an uninterrupted view of the ceremonial.

The members of the House of Commons did not enter the Cathedral until 11 o'clock, having been conveyed from the esplanade of the House by meaus of steam-boats to Paul's Wharf, from whence to the cathedral a passage was' kept clear for their convenience. At the close of the ceremony they returned in the same manner.

When the vast multitude had once gained the interior, the access to the sittings was comparatively easy ; the great body of visitors found ready accommodation, but of course every nook and corner were filled. The military and naval officers, in their full uniforms, and various ornamental additions of mourning, had seats provided for them in the two front rows running the whole length of the nave on each side ; but several individual officers, of both services, were dotted here and there among the immense group who occupied the whole of the magnificent building. The red and blue uniforms presented a curious and striking contrast to the male and female mourning everywhere around. At a quarter past eleven the sound of trumpets was heard from the outside, and the military and naval officers who had been promenading on the floor of the nave immediately resumed their sittings, when the scene presented was one of the most imposing which was ever witnessed.

At twenty minutes past eleven the most solemn stillness prevailed in the interior, and at the same moment the eyes of every one were turned in the direction of the western door.

lii five minutes the trumpeters blew a funeral strain, interspersed with the deep-toned roll of muffled drums, mingled every minute with the tolling of St. Paul's great bell, the whole effect

of which was to cause a thrill to run through the whole assembly. At half-past eleven, eighty three of the old Chelsea pensioners marched into the cathedral, followed by twelve enrolled pensioners, and one soldier from every regiment in the service. They were all immediately ranged in sittings on both sides of the nave, and attracted great sympathy and attention.

In five minutes more, the chief herald, attended by his officers, proceeded along the nave to the western door; in a few minutes the pennon, supported by two captains, and other flags, borne by officers, entered, followed by the other portions of the.procession, in due order. At a quarter past twelve, the Bishop of London, the dean, and a large number of minor canons and vicars choral, followed by the boys of the chapel royal, left the space near the organ, and proceeded to the western entrance. At a few minutes past one, Prince Albert entered the cathedral, and, as he proceeded to his position, seemed much affected by the solemnity of the scene which had just burst upon his view, as he looked to the right and to the left. At six minutes after one the body entered, and the choir immediately commenced the musical part of the service, proceeding, while they were singing, at a very low pace, towards the dome, and followed by the body of the late duke.

Upon the arrival of the procession at St. Paul's Cathedral, a little after twelve o'clock, the marshal-men and conductors divided and arranged themselves on each side at the foot of the steps without the great westjdoor; the Chelsea and enrolled pensioners, together with the soldiers from every regiment- in Her Majesty's service, (two officers from every regiment having been previously provided with seats in the nave behind the place assigned to the soldiers) proceeding into the nave, filed off right and left; the rest of the procession having alighted, moved forward in order to the west door of the church ; on entering which they proceeded up the nave. The officers of arms, the officers bearing the banners with their supporters, and the officers of the late duke's household, took their places in the area.

• The deputations and delegations from public bodies, the officers of the Tower of London and of Dover Castle, the Castles of Deal, Walmer, Sandgate, and Sandown, the barons and officers of the Cinque Ports, the physicians of the deceased, chaplains and the high sheriff of the county of Southampton, were conducted to their seats. The common council, sheriffs, recorder, aldermen, and lord mayor proceeded to their own seats. The companions, knights commanders, and knights grand cross of the Bath representing the order of the Bath, were conducted to the seats appropriated to them ; the lord justices, the master of the rolls, the chief baron and chief justices, the other official personages, ministers, and great officers of state, were also conducted to the seats appropriated to them respectively.

His Royal Highness Prince Albert was seated in a chair on the right hand of the chief mourner ; the suite of his royal highness took places near his royal highness. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge had a seat near his royal highness.

The body, when taken from the car, was received by the bishop, dean, canons, and prebendaries, attended by the minor canons and choir, and borne into the church.

The supporters of the pall were seated on stools on each side of the body. The officers bearing the bannerols were ranged behind the supporters of the pall. The chief mourner was seated in a chair at the head of the body; his supporters on either side ; the train-hearer behind, and the assistant mourners upon stools—also on either side. The relations and friends of the deceased took places behind the chief mourner.

The body being placed on a bier, and the pall being removed, the coronet and cushion were placed on the coffin, as also the field marshal's baton of the deceased.

The foreign batons were held during the ceremony by military officers of high rank in the respective armies of the different foreign powers; and they and their supporters, and the Marquis of Anglesey and his supporters, occupied stools at the foot of the coffin.

As the procession moved from the great west door, the commencement of the service for the burial of the dead was sung by the minor canons, vicars, choral, &c, of St. Paul's cathedral, assisted by the gentlemen of her Majesty's

chapels royal, and the vicars choral of the collegiate church of St. Peter's, Westminster, and" several other gentlemen, the music bein_ by Mr. Crotch. 5 y

The choir then chaunted Domine refulgi Uin which was followed by a dirge, the music of which was composed for the solemn occasion by Mr. John Goss, the Cathedral organist :— " And the King said to all the people that were with him, rend your clothes and gird you with sackcloth and mourn. And the King himself followed the bier. ■ . fa

••' And they buried him. And the King lifted up his voice and wept at the grave, and all the people wept. "And the King said unto his servants, Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel ?"

This dirge was accompanied by trumpets which materially, added to the general effect! The dirge being concluded, the Dead March was performed; during which the body was deposited in the vault. As soon as this affecting part.pf the ceremony had been completed the choir sung the beautiful piece, " Man that is born of a woman."

At the conclusion of the committal of the body to the ground, the whole choir san"- "I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me Write, &c." '

The whole of the ceremony was then concluded by the Bishop of London pronouncing the benediction, and the proceedings terminated at ten minutes before three o'clock.