, Britannia!" was played in full orchestra; and the whole audience,
respectfully standing up, instantly testified, by their unanimously loud
and long continued plaudits, the happiness which they experienced at
thus seeing among them the renowned Hero of the Nile. On returning, at
midnight, his lordship and friends were drawn back, by the people,
through New Street, High Street, and Bull Street, to Styles's hotel,
amidst a blaze of several hundred lighted torches. Next morning, his
lordship and friends, accompanied by the high and low bailiffs, walked
to view the manufactory of Mr. Clay, japanner in ordinary to his Majesty
and his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales; the sword manufactory of
Messrs. Woolley and Deakin; the button manufactory of Messrs. W. and R.
Smith; the buckle and ring manufactory of Messrs. Simcox and Timmins;
and the patent-sash manufactory of Messrs. Timmins and Jordan. They then
went, drawn in their carriage by the populace, a prodigious multitude
constantly attending, to Mr. Egerton's stained-glass manufactory, at
Handsworth, where they were received by a party of beautiful young
ladies, dressed in white, and who literally strewed the hero's ways with
flowers. Here his lordship particularly admired a large window intended
for Lady Masterman Sykes, and some works for Fonthill and Arundel. The
party then proceeded to Mr. Boulton's matchless manufactory at Soho; and
visited that ingenious gentleman, who was slowly recovering from a
dangerous illness, in his bed-chamber. They then viewed the extensive
coining apparatus; and were presented with several appropriate medals
struck in their presence. On returning to the hotel, they found an
elegant dinner, consisting of every delicacy the season could afford,
provided by the high and low bailiffs: at which they were met by Heneage
Legge, Esq. the high-sheriff; Dugdale Stratford Dugdale, Esq. one of the
members for the county of Stafford; his lordship's esteemed friend
Captain Digby, who had the honour of being selected to bring
intelligence of his lordship's glorious victory off the Nile; with other
naval and military officers, clergy, magistrates, &c. Lady Hamilton very
condescendingly gratified the company with some charming songs. The
bells rung most of the day: and, in the evening, his lordship and
friends again visited the theatre; which was crouded with all the beauty
and fashion of the neighbourhood, who gave them the most rapturous
welcome. A respect