2-970-081 - /Heritage Images

The Naval Review: Illumination of the Fleet - drawn by R. Leitch, 1856. '...thousands who had borne the cold and languor of the day had left...before the ships made this grand and brilliant demonstration. This was effected by simultaneously lighting up the yards and portholes with bluelights. At nine o'clock, gun fire, the whole fleet at anchor burst into light as by magic; the jets one above another, maintopmast high aloft, and the ports of each opened at once, showing a vivid glare between decks, caused an unusual roar of cheering from the shore, which was echoed and given back with interest from the boats of the legion afloat. This in the stillness of the calm night had an effect as imposing as it was rare, and cheer upon cheer applauded the spectacle. From nine to ten rockets were sent up thickly from the ships, and rained a golden shower upon the "floating capital".' From "Illustrated London News", 1856.