"His Imperial Majesty requested the _Nile_ lugger, in which Captain Popham went to Petersburgh, to be brought up close to his palace at Peterhoff, where he went on board, accompanied by only one Nobleman. The lugger was immediately got under weigh, and, there being a fine breeze of wind, His Majesty was highly surprised, and gratified, at the swiftness of her sailings. After a two hour's cruise, he was landed again at the palace, when the lugger gave him a royal salute. "It appears the account he gave of the English vessel had greatly excited the curiosity of the rest of the Royal Family, as, next day, Captain Popham was honoured with the company of the Empress, the Emperor, Four Princesses, and Three Princes, with their retinue, when they were, of course, treated with a sail, at which they were highly delighted, and, with great condescension, partook of some ship beef, and biscuit. The Emperor was particularly attentive to everything on board the lugger, visiting every part of her, and, when the sailors were hoisting the sails, he insisted on helping for once, to set the sails of a vessel belonging to his gracious Ally, and actually hauled the rope with the men. The Empress begged that the crew would sing 'God save the King,' which was instantly complied with, to Her Majesty's entire satisfaction. "Captain Popham was presented by the Emperor, with an elegant snuff-box set with diamonds, and with a valuable ring from Her Imperial Majesty. His Majesty has likewise knighted Captain Popham, conferring on him the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Lieutenant Pratt, Captain Popham's Assistant in this business, has also been presented with a gold snuff-box, from the Emperor, and a handsome gold watch and chain, from the Empress."--(_Times, August 28, 1799._) Was the under-mentioned lady the veritable heroine of the ballad of "Billy Taylor?"