intention on the part of some fifty or sixty of our amateur vocalists to serenade the royal party on one evening during their stay, provided the same were approved. His Royal Highness, however, graciously declined this exhibition of loyalty, stating that he thought it would be unkind on his part to allow ladies to be standing in the street during such indclment weather. The intimation was accompanied with thanks for kind intentions.
His Royal Highness gave ten guineas to the widow of the coastguard who was unfortunately drowned at Cliff end, and the following are additional instances of liberality: - Twenty guineas were given to the Rev. R. Workman for St. Leonards Church and parish charities; 15 guineas to J. Montgomerie, Esq. for the Invalid Gentlewomen’s Home; 10 guineas to the Dispensary; 25 guineas to the Infirmary; and 10 guineas to the St. Leonards National Schools.
It was most gratifying to Mr. Starkey, personally, an to the town and borough at large, to know that the Prince of Wales and his beloved lady expressed their delight with the arrangements made on their behalf. Not only was this expression verbally conveyed to Mr. and Miss Starkey, but an entry in the visitors book was made also by the prince himself, as follows: - Feb. 23rd. The prince and Princess of Wales perfectly satisfied. His Royal Highness also expressed his entire approval of the police and other arrangements in the following letters to the mayor:His Royal Highness has been pleased to direct Lieut. General Knollys to convey to the Mayor his approval of the arrangements made for the arrival of their Royal Highnesses, than which nothing could be more satisfactory.
— Victoria Hotel, Feb. 22nd, 1864.
Dear Sir, - The Prince of Wales has directed me to express to you, on his leaving St. Leonards, the satisfaction he has experienced at all the arrangements connected with the towns of Hastings and St Leonards, wherein His Royal Highness and the Princess have been concerned. Their Royal Highnesses will each retain a most agreeable recollection of their visit and ever feel a strong interest in the prosperity of the two towns. Their Royal Highnesses desire me to add their sense of your own personal attention to their comfort and convenience, and to request you will make known to the superintendent of the Police and his force their appreciation of their services.
— I am, dear, sir, very faithfully yours "The Mayor of Hastings. W. Knollys
The Departure.
Tuesday having been fixed for the departure of their Royal Highnesses, two special trains were provided by the south Eastern Railway company to convey them and their retinue to the Charing cross station, en route to Marlborough House. The morning came in with a prospect of fine weather, and which being realized, must have given the royal pair a tolerably good idea of what St. Leonards really is under its usually favourable conditions. The first train that in which their Royal Highnesses and the infant prince were to travel- was arranged to leave at ten minutes before noon, and although punctuality was duly observed, the Princess - so it was said lingered at the window of the hotel to the latest minute watching the bright blue waves as they rippled almost beneath her feet. A consi-
