seamen in the procession at about
fifteen thousand. The banks of the river and the bridges were crowded
with spectators, whose sympathy was shown in every way that the most
enthusiastic popular feeling could evince. Cheers rang along the river,
cannons were fired, and the leaders of the demonstration, Mr. Mather,
Captain Smith, and Mr. Butchert, were received everywhere with the
loudest plaudits of the people. The appearance of the boats and
steamers, manned by tars in their best attire, and bearing gay flags,
was exceedingly picturesque. Perhaps no metropolitan sight so imposing
had been witnessed by the generation of Londoners then living. The wind
was boisterous and the sky lowering; the procession had also to make its
way against tide; but these obstacles only broke the formality of the
line of procession, while evoking an activity on the part of those who
manned the boats, which heightened the interest of the scene, giving
characteristic traits to a procession afloat, which in gentler weather
it would not have exhibited. Even the cloudiness of the sky aided
the picture, which would have been seen to less advantage under a
glaring sunshine; yet, occasionally, the clouds broke away, and the sun
fell upon the scene with that splendour, which, if wholly wanting, would
have deprived the view of much of its effect.

The following is a copy of the memorial presented by the deputation:--

"TO HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY.

"_The loyal and humble memorial of the masters, mates, seamen,
shipwrights, and other naval artizans now assembled in London, and the
delegates representing the outports of the kingdom_.

"May it please tour Majesty,--We, your majesty's loyal and dutiful
subjects, beg most respectfully to approach your majesty to lay
this humble memorial at the foot of the throne, believing that
the subject-matter of it involves not only the well-being of your
memorialists, but the security of your majesty's dominions in every part
of the world.

"Your majesty's memorialists have learnt with deep regret and
indignation that it is seriously contemplated to repeal the navigation
laws, the principle of which, for the protection and encouragement of
British ships and British seamen has been the undeviating policy of this
maritime state for nearly five hundred years.

"Your memorialists most respectfully and loyally, but firmly, as ardent
friends of their country, which they sincerely love, beg to represent to
your majes