"Having landed at Fort William, the Royal party proceeded along the base of Ben Nevis on their journey to Loch Laggan where they were received by the Marquess of Abercorn who escorted them to the Lodge of Ardverikie. The road was lined with Highlanders in full costume, whose reception of her Majesty was of the most enthusiastic description.

      "The wind gradually increased in violence throughout the night, until on Sabbath morning it blew a gale. The waters of the loch were raised into waves of considerable height, and the marquees erected for the use of the royal servants were blown down. This gusty weather continued with intervals during the whole of her Majesty's sojourn. The Prince occupied himself in grouse shooting at Aberarder, and deer-stalking in Ben Alder Forest, and in visiting the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy; while her Majesty sketched the romantic scenery by which she was surrounded, or enjoyed piscatorial amusements on the lake. On the 26th, which was Prince Albert's birthday, there was a gathering of Highlanders from the neighbouring districts, who contended for prizes given by her Majesty for running, leaping, throwing the hammer, &c.

      On the morning of that day a number of sailors from the royal yacht stationed themselves under his Royal Highness's windows, and sung in excellent style the glee "Hail! smiling morn!" when the Prince presented his grateful acknowledgments to the jolly tars. By mid-day more than a thousand persons of both sexes had arrived and by their propriety of behaviour during the day, did honour to themselves and their Highland straths, while hill and lake resounded with the strains of the bagpipe. At her Majesty's request the youngest son of Cluny [George, age 5] was introduced to the Prince of Wales [Albert, age 5 (later Edward VII)] and the Princess-Royal [Victoria, age 7]. Both the Prince of Wales and the young Macpherson were dressed in full Highland costume, and as they romped hand-in-hand over the grounds they formed a very pleasing picture. Several reels were danced to pipe-music on the lawn; the Highlanders were feasted on substantial provision, when the whole party retired, not more pleased with the sports and their entertainment than delighted with the condescension of the royal pair. Bonfires were kindled in the evening on the surrounding hills, and recalled the time when such fires were not the signs of mirth, but the signals of danger. On Saturday and the Lord's Day the storm raged with greater violence than during the preceding week. On Monday, however, her Majesty paid a visit to Cluny Castle, accompanied by the Prince and the Royal children, and prolonged their stay altogether for an hour, examining the shield and other relics of Prince Charles with much interest.

      "On Tuesday the weather was mild, and the Prince visited Corryarder, for ptarmigan shooting, when her Majesty also ascended the hill to a considerable height. In the evening there was a servants' ball, which was honoured with the royal presence. On Wednesday, which was clear and sunny, the Prince set out for Ben Alder; during his absence, her Majesty examined nine little boys and girls respecting their education; and, having taken sketches of them, dismissed them with a suitable reward to each. On Thursday his Royal Highness visited Inverness, where he was received with the greatest enthusiasm. On Friday, which dawned in mist and rain, her Majesty left Ardverikie; and, having embarked at Fort William amidst rapturous cheers and a royal salute from the fort, as the day began to dawn on Sabbath morning, the vessels of the royal squadron began to heave up their anchors, and soon after left Campbelltown Loch for England. [She must have left Fort William on Saturday and stayed over night at the Kintyre port, a day's sail away.] We trust there was a necessity for this work, as her Majesty's exemplary regard for the Lord's Day is well known; for "the righteousness that exalteth a nation" can never be promoted by the violation of the law of the "King of kings and Lord of lords."