London, April 23rd, 1789, Five o'clock, P.M.
MY LORD,
The ceremony of this day has been gone through exceedingly well.
The procession from the House of Commons began at eight o'clock,
and the King reached St. Paul's between eleven and twelve. The
arrangement of the cathedral, particularly the dome, presented a
beautiful sight. The King seems much reduced by his late
illness--was remarkably composed during the service, and attentive
to the music. His Majesty, as well as the Queen, seemed much
affected with the solemnity of their first entrance, as were many
of the persons present. Lady Uxbridge was near fainting away.
As the King went out of the church, he seemed to be in good
spirits, and talked much to the persons about him; but he stared
and laughed less than ever I knew him on a public occasion. He
returned to the Queen's House between three and four o'clock. Mr.
Fox and most of his party were there. He and Colonel Fitzpatrick
were stationed in front of the altar, and directly opposite the
King, being the part of the cathedral for Privy Councillors and
Peers' sons. Mr. Pitt sat near them, but not in the first ranks. I
saw Lord Temple in a very good place, in that part of the church. I
did not see Mr. Burke there, and therefore suppose he continues
ill. The trial was deferred yesterday on account of his illness,
which people say was occasioned by his working himself into too
great a passion the day before.
I have the honour to be ever, my Lord,
Your Excellency's most faithful and affectionate servant,
S. BERNARD.
The same subject is followed up in a letter from Lord Bulkeley.