len to nothing, and, though they are
preparing accommodation for thousands and thousands, the sale of
tickets is very heavy indeed. I am frightened for the yeomanry, and
hope Lord Temple will be able to get them well back without a row.
I am sorry I shall not see you, for I must go on Saturday, and have
a long appointment for Monday on public business in the country.
You have no idea of the million of reports which are hourly
propagating here on the subject of the Government and Lady
Conyngham, and the Coronation, &c. &c. The town is absolutely in a
ferment. You shall hear to-morrow from me.

Ever truly yours,

W. H. F.

The day appointed for the imposing pageant, the Coronation, came at
last. The Queen had made several vain efforts to obtain a recognition
of her right to be crowned at the same time as the King; but the Privy
Council decided against her on the 10th of July. Nothing daunted, the
day following she wrote to Lord Sidmouth to inform his Lordship of her
intention to be present, and a few days later published a protest
against the decision of the Privy Council. On the 16th, Lord Hood, at
her desire, wrote to the Earl Marshal, informing the Duke (of Norfolk)
of her Majesty's intention to be present at the approaching ceremony on
the 19th, and desiring that persons should be in attendance to conduct
her to her seat on her arrival at the Abbey. The day arrived, and so
did the Queen; but though she tried, with Lord Hood's assistance, to
gain admission at more than one door, her entrance was opposed. She was
not only obliged to endure this repulse, but sounds assailed her ears
as soon as she was recognised by the spectators in the galleries, that
declared how completely she had fallen in public estimation. Mortified
and humiliated, she at last returned to her residence; and, though a
mob of disorderly boys broke the windows of mansions belonging to
noblemen known to be opposed to her, the intelligence failed to afford
her sufficient solace. Lord Eldon thus describes her Majesty's final
exhibition of spirit: "It is all over, quite safe and well. The Queen's
attempt to make mischief, failed. She sent a message to say that she
would be at the Abbey by eight o'clock. To take the persons there by
surprise, she came between six and seven. After trying every door of
the Abbey in vain, she came to the Hall; there she was also denied
entrance. A few of the mob called 'Queen f