Arrival in marseille of the frigate reine-hortense, bearing ll. Aa. He. Prince napoleon and princess clotilde, and the franco-sardinian squadron serving as their escort (february 3, 1859). Drawing by mr. Henri durant-brager. Departure of ll. Aa. Ii. Prince napoleon and princess clotilde for marseille. Tuesday, at eleven o'clock in the morning, despite rather bad weather, the august spouses embarked on the reine-hortense, which had already brought prince napoleon to genoa. The king, the prince of carignan, the ministers and the dignitaries of the court accompanied their imperial highnesses. — the imperial yacht, anchored in the carénage basin, set off slowly towards the lanterne, crossing the port. —after visiting the sumptuous accommodation of the ship, the king took his august daughter aside and kissed her tenderly. —then, while each of the court personages went to kiss the hand of the princess, victor-emmanuel ii said his farewell to prince napoleon, and descended into the royal canoe which was to bring him and his suite back to the palace. A moment later, the reine-hortense entered the sea, and, in their turn, the escort vessels left the port. These were the french ships the napoléon, the algésiras and the frigate the impétueuse; — the sardinian steam frigates governolo and sardegna. — all the ships were adorned with flags. The cannons of the forts fired, and the squadron responded to their salute. -despite the torrential rain which was falling at the time, an immense crowd thronged the port quays, the ramparts and even the yards of the ships at anchor. Hundreds of canoes followed the ships and greeted them with their cheers. It was a majestic spectacle, and one that genoa will remember for a long time. Charles de la varenne. Date: 12 February 1859.
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