I received from the mayor an oaken box with a silver top and filled with the famous Shrewsbury cakes. We lunched there. We left it at a ¼ to 3. As we passed along the streets a poor unhappy hen, frightened by the noise flew on the carriage but she was taken off. We had our horses watered half way. When we arrived at the outskirts of Welshpool we were met by a troop of Yeomanry who escorted us for a long time and the little town was ornamented with arches, flowers, branches, flags, ribbons, &c., &c. The guns fired as we came up the park and the band played before Powis Castle; Lord Powis[5] and Mr. Clive met us at the door of his beautiful old Castle and Lady Lucy and Lady Harriet Clive were in the gallery. The Castle is very old and beautiful; the little old windows jutting in and out and a fine gallery with a dry-rubbed floor and some beautiful busts. I am now dressing for dinner....
Thursday, 9th August.—I awoke at ½ past 6 and got up at 7. I am now dressing. A little after 8 I went out in the garden, and at about ¼ to 9 we took breakfast. I began to write a letter after breakfast, and then dressed. At ½ past 10 Mamma received an address from the Mayor and Corporation of Beaumaris, and another from the gentlemen inhabitants, and visitors of the town. At ½ past 11 we got into our carriages with my Cousins on the box of ours. In passing the Menai-bridge, we received a salute, and on entering the town of Carnarvon, we were met, not only by an immense crowd, who were extremely kind, and pleased, but by the Corporation also, who walked before the carriage, while a salute was firing. We then arrived at the inn, where Mamma received an address. The address being over we took luncheon, and after that was over, we went to see the ruins of the Castle, which are beautiful, while a salute was fired, from the rampart. We then got into the Emerald, where we were several times saluted, at the last being nearly becalmed, we were towed by a steam packet, called Paul Pry, which saluted us 4 times in the day. We arrived at home at ¼ to 7, and dined at ½ past 7. We drank Uncle Leopold’s health in honour of his marriage that day. I stayed up till ½ past 9. I went to bed soon after, and was soon asleep....
Wednesday, 29th August.—I awoke at ½ past 6 and got up at 7. It is now 6 minutes past 8 & I am quite ready dressed. I then played. We breakfasted at ½ past 8 but without Lady Catherine[6] who is very unwell. I then did my lessons & then played. At ½ past 12 I went out walking. We lunched at 1. At ½ past 3 went to Baron Hill Sir R. Bulkeley’s[7] place. We arrived there at a little after 4. We were received at the door by Sir Richard & farther on by Lady Bulkeley whose dress I shall describe. It was a white satin trimmed with blonde, short sleeves & a necklace, ear-rings and sévigné of perridos & diamonds with a wreath of orange-flowers in her hair. We then went upon the terrace & the band of the Anglesea Militia played “God save the King.” We then presented all the bards & poets with medals. We then [went] into the drawing-room and remained there till dinner. In the drawing-room there were a great many other people. At 5 we went to dinner, which was in a temporary building which was lined in the inside with pink and white linen. The dinner was splendidly served & the china was rich and beautiful. The fruit was magnificent. After dessert was over Sir Richard made a speech and brought out a toast in honor of Mamma & me. We then left the room & went into the drawing-room. We went upstairs into Lady Bulkeley’s pretty little dressing-room. Her toilet table was pink with white muslin over it trimmed with beautiful lace & her things on the toilet table were gold. We then went downstairs and took coffee and the famous dog of Lady Williams,[8] Cabriolle, played tricks. At about 7 we left Baron Hill & proceeded homewards. Poor Lady Catherine who was not able to go was in the evening much better. We arrived at home at about a ¼ past 8. I then went downstairs & stayed up till near 9. I was soon in bed and asleep....
Monday, 17th September.—I awoke at about 8, & got up at near ½ past 8. We breakfasted at 9 downstairs. I then played and did other things. At 1 we lunched. I then played on the piano, & at a little before 3 played at billiards downstairs, with Victoire,[9] & then went out walking. When I came home I first worked & then we blew soap-bubbles.
Sunday, 14th October.—I awoke at 7 and got up at ½ past 7. At ½ past 8 we breakfasted. I then wrote my Journal and some music and at 11 we went to chapel for the last time and the sailors likewise for the last time. The service was performed as usual by Mr. W. Jones. It was over at ¼ past 12. I then walked out with Lehzen[10] and Victoire. At 1 we lunched. At 3 we went out riding, and as we passed through the Park gate the old woman at the lodge came out as usual, to open the gate and she thanked Mamma for what she had given her. We galloped over a green field which we had already done several times. Rosa went an enormous rate; she literally flew. We then went on towards the Menai bridge but turned back under the hill. We cantered a great deal and Rosa went the whole time beautifully. It was a delightful ride. When we came home Mamma got on Rosa and I got on Thomas and cantered him. We came in at ½ past 4. Alas! it was our last ride at dear Plas Newydd. I then walked on the terrace for a short time. At 7 we dined and I stayed up till ½ past 8. I was soon in bed and asleep.
Monday, 15th October.—I awoke at ½ past 5 and got up at 6. At 7 we breakfasted with all the family; and a most beautiful falcon which Sir John Williams[11] sent me was brought in that I might see it. The sailors were so busy and so useful for I saw Kew and Sparks going to and fro. At a ¼ to 8 we got into our carriages and drove out amidst the shouts of the sailors of the Emerald, who were standing on the rigging two by two on the rope-ladders, till the last man was at the very top of all. I looked out of the carriage window that I might get a last look of the dear Emerald and her excellent crew. As we passed along the road we saw Mr. Griffith and Mr. W. Jones and his family....
Miss Victoire Conroy,
from nature.
VICTOIRE CONROY.
From a sketch by Princess Victoria.
10 minutes to 4.—We have just passed through Northop. At about ½ past 4 we went through the Park of Mr. Granville up to his castle. Lord Grosvenor met us there at the head of his Cavalry. And Lord Westminster[12] sent his own fine horses, which were put to our carriage. At about ½ past 5 we arrived at Eaton Hall. We were received at the door by Lord and Lady Westminster, Lady Grosvenor and Lady Wilton. The house is magnificent. You drive up to the door under a lofty vaulted portico with a flight of steps under it, and it takes you to the hall, which is beautiful. The floor is inlaid with various marbles, and arches spring from the sides. Then you enter a beautiful drawing-room; the ceiling joins in a round gilt, with great taste and richness, while the sides arch towards the top. An organ on the right as you enter the room and a large fireplace on the left with stained glass windows. Then Lady Westminster after we had been downstairs a little, showed us our apartments, which are indeed beautiful. I was in bed at ½ past 8.