This is the travel journal of Commodore George Henry Seymour who commanded the HMS Hero during the Prince of Wales' visit to Canada in 1860. Seymour kept day-to-day notes during the trip starting in England, across the Atlantic to Newfoundland, through various stops in the Maritime provinces, Quebec and Ontario. After Niagara, the Prince traveled predominantly by rail through the United States. Seymour sailed the HMS Hero back to the East coast and met the Prince in Portland, Maine where they began their journey back to England.
Entries into this journal from 1855 have been excluded for this exhibit.
July 1860 - A certificate issued by the British Admiralty to George Henry Seymour appointing him as commodore of the HMS Hero - two days before the departure for Canada with the Prince of Wales.
A broadside advertising the appearance of the Prince of Wales, Albert
Edward, in St. Catharines on the 18th of September in 1860. The Broadside reads: "The Prince's Visit to St. Catharines. His Royal Highness will be at St. Catharines on Tuesday, the 18th Sept. 1860. The Committee of Management express the earnest hope that the Inhabitants of the Counties of Lincoln & Welland Generally, will manifest their Loyalty by joining in an enthusiastic demonstration to the Prince. Come Early to get Seats! As the accommodation in the Amphitheatre will be limited. A Grand Procession Of Firemen and other Public Bodies will be formed, accompanied by Bands of Music. A Royal Salute Will be fired by the St. Catharines Volunteer Artillery Company; and British Cheers will be given by the assembled assembled thousands. A General Illumination in the Evening! God Save The Queen! C.P. Camp, Sec'y to Committee. St. Catharines, September 15, 1860."
During the tour, Charles Blondin crossed the Niagara River on a tightrope three times with the Prince of Wales in the audience. His stunts included carrying a man on his back, walking on stilts, somersaults and headstands.
A view of the stone monument that marks the spot where Major-General Isaac Brock fell at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. The obelisk was set in place by the Prince of Wales Albert Edward on 18 September 1860.
A printed programme for the reception of the Prince of Wales in Niagara Falls on 14 September 1860. The event includes a procession of carriages, speeches, children singing the national anthem, and fireworks. On September 18, the Prince will be visiting Queenston Heights for another public event.
A photograph of the Prince of Wales and his party taken at Prospect Point in Niagara Falls, New York. Prince is the gentleman with his foot up on a rock.
An 1860 image of the obelisk marking the spot where Isaac Brock was shot and mortally wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812. The Brock Monument can be seen in the background.
