"The Princes, sons of the King of Prussia, had the horses taken out of their Carriage, and were drawn by the people to their Hotel in Jermyn Street. The Prince de Metternich, General Platow" (our old friend the Cossack Hetman), "and General Barclay de Tolly, drove to the respective hotels taken for them. The only triumphal entry was that of the venerable and gallant Blücher. He was met four miles beyond Dartford, by a detachment of horse, and he approached town amidst the enthusiastic shouts of surrounding myriads. They avoided Shooter's Hill, and crossed Bexley Heath to Eltham. Indeed, the whole way from Dover was one continued Jubilee."
Here I end the account given by "our own correspondent" of that day. Its grammar and construction may be found fault with, but though doubtless written in a great hurry, its facts are correct.
Rough old Blücher was, undoubtedly, of all the brilliant throng, the favourite of the Mob. He shared with Schwartzenburg, Barclay de Tolly, and Platoff in Swords of honour, value 200 guineas each, given by the City of London. His popularity must have had its inconveniences. When he went to Ascot races on the 10th of June, he was cheered more than the Allied Sovereigns; it was as much as he could get to the Royal Stand, hundreds of men and women insisting on shaking hands with him the moment he alighted. When, after a race, he rode down the Course in company with the Duke of York, he could hardly get along, so great was the throng. It was only by shaking thousands of hands, that he could make any progress. Nothing was heard but shouts of "Blücher! Blücher!" the ladies in the Stands waved their handkerchiefs, and the gallant old Bear saluted them in turn.
BLÜCHER GREETED BY HIS NUMEROUS FRIENDS IN THE PARK, 1814.
"PRINCE BLÜCHER AND THE BRITISH LADIES.
A Free Paraphrase of Horace. Book 1, Ode 3.
'Lydia, dic, per ommes
Te deos oro,' &c.