The road, all down the long descent, and through the plain to the banks of the river, was lined, mile after mile, with spectators.

From the West Gate to the Cathedral Close, the pressing and shouting on each side was such as reminded Londoners of the crowds on the Lord Mayor's day.

The houses were gaily decorated.

Doors, windows, balconies, and roofs were thronged with gazers.

An eye accustomed to the pomp of war would have found much to criticize in the spectacle.
For several toilsome marches in the rain, through roads where one who travelled on foot sank at every step up to the ancles in clay, had not improved the appearance either of the men or of their accoutrements.
But the people of Devonshire, altogether unused to the splendour of well ordered camps, were overwhelmed with delight and awe.