The Letter-Bag of Lady Elizabeth Spencer-Stanhope — Volume 1
History
The Letter-Bag of Lady Elizabeth Spencer-Stanhope — Volume 1
Great Britain -- Social life and customs -- 19th century; Spencer-Stanhope, Elizabeth Wilhelmina Coke, Lady, 1795-1873
The Emperor of Russia, the King of Prussia and his sons, Blucher,
Platoff, the Prince of Wurtemburg and an infinitude of great men who
have flocked to this country, about the middle of the summer term
accompanied the Prince Regent to Oxford where they were received and
fêted in the most magnificent style.
The scene in the theatre was particularly fine, the Prince Regent
enthroned with the Emperor of Russia on his right and the King of
Prussia on his left. The Heroes of the War receiving the encomiums of
the peaceful Sons of Science! Blucher seemed particularly happy. A
most magnificent entertainment was provided for them at the Radcliffe
Library, where old Blucher got hopelessly tipsy, and was found
afterwards strolling about the College by himself, totally incapable
of finding his way back to his lodgings!
I must explain that he was lodged at the Sub-Dean's in Ch. Ch., and
tho' a Royal carriage was sent to convey him to the Radcliffe, he
preferred walking, escorted by the Gown, for one of which bodyguard I
volunteered myself.
The third day the Emperor and King of Prussia quitted the University,
but the Prince Regent and Blucher remained and dined in Ch. Ch. Hall.
I must recount an anecdote of the Prince whose peculiar grace and
elegance of manner shone in its best lustre during the whole visit.
Blucher's health being drunk, he returned thanks in German, but
addressed himself rather to the Prince than to the University or Ch.
Ch. in particular. The Prince, perceiving the indecorum of this, at
once rose and announced that so excellent a speech should not be lost
upon the greater part of the company, who could not be expected to
understand German, and that, therefore, in the absence of a better
interpreter, he would volunteer for that office himself, however
incompetent he might be. He then delivered an extremely neat and
tactful address of thanks to the University and especially to that
College where Blucher and himself had been so hospitably entertained.
_Mrs Spencer-Stanhope._
GROSVENOR SQUARE, _June 20th, 1814._
This is a day of bustle and confusion in London, as it is the last
day the Emperor remains here.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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