When the end did come the people were so delighted at being relieved of the infliction that he was generously applauded, when with an amiable smile, and bowing right and left in acknowledgment, resumed his seat in happy ignorance that he had been a very tiresome bore indeed.
The Prince of Wales at Brockville.
When in August, 1860, H. R. H. The Prince of Wales (now King Edward) and party had arranged to visit Brockville, the event was looked forward to with every manifestation of delight, and arrangements made to give them a hearty reception.
The route of the Royal party was from Ottawa, where a visit had been made, and recently named the capital city of Canada by Queen Victoria; there they embarked, sailing up the Ottawa River to Arnprior and thence by carriages to Almonte, and there entrained for Brockville. All the villages and hamlets passed were prettily decorated for the occasion, here and there evergreen arches were erected where the loyal denizens assembled and heartily cheered his Royal Highness in passing.
Brockville was reached about nine p.m. The Royal party was received by the Mayor, Warden of Leeds and Grenville and other officials. Addresses were presented and replied to by H.R.H. Carriages were in waiting to convey them to the steamer at the dock, by which they were to leave at daybreak for Kingston.
The Royal party were escorted from the railway station to the steamboat wharf by a guard of honour, followed by a procession of firemen and citizens carrying torches. All the buildings on the way were brightly illuminated, the church bells merrily ringing with a fine display of fireworks and the loud ovation of the people made it a memorable scene.
Instead of departing at daybreak, as had been arranged, it was about three in the afternoon before the steamer left. The detention was caused by difficulties which had arisen at Kingston. The Orange body there had erected an arch decorated with emblems of the order and which the Royal party would necessarily have to pass under. An address by the Orangemen was to be presented, to which the Duke of Newcastle was unable to assent. While the settlement of this was being arranged by telegraph wire, the Mayor, accompanied by many prominent citizens, waited on the Duke and invited the Royal party to a drive through the town, which was graciously accepted, thus giving the people an opportunity of seeing H. R. H. to better advantage. In appearance he was of medium height, pale complexion, modest in demeanor and dignified in manner.
He wore a tall white hat, a dark morning coat, light tweed trousers, patent leather boots and light tan coloured gloves. He bowed in acknowledgment to the cheers which greeted him and seemed to enjoy the drive.
It was said the Duke remarked he was not sorry at the detention as it had given the party the pleasure of seeing the pretty town by daylight.