| Citation |
BEP(F.750.034
23 Jul 1750:12 (780)
To the Fool. Sir,
As I was crossing the parade in St. James's Park to-day, I
saw the guards relieving; and hearing a person near me say,
that they had just learned the new French exercise, and was
to perform it at St. James's for the first time, the
curiosity of it led me thither, where I was most agreeably
entertained as follows, viz. The relieving guard no sooner
entred the court, but the three officers of each party
greeted each other with three low bows to the ground; then
the musick striking up a grand minuet-march, the two
colonels led each other by the hand, and were followed by
the two lieutenants and two ensigns, who all danced a minuet
in a very grand manner, with flying colours; which being
ended, the musick then played a brisk country-dance, to
which all the soldiers danced three hayes.---Col. D---, the
field-officer, directed the ceremony, the adjutant
assisting: In short the whole and a very fine effect, and
was much admired by the Royal Family, who looked on;
and the same is to be continued constantly every morning at
ten.----This is the new exercise so much talked of abroad.
[As it is French, 'tis well enough.]
|