During the short-lived peace, Sir Richard Bickerton commanded in the Mediterranean, with his flag in the Kent, of 74 guns. On the 23d April, 1804, he was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral of the Red, and about the same time hoisted his flag on board the Royal Sovereign, a first rate;
His Highness was dressed in a white robe of beautiful Persian satin, over which was the robe of state, worn only on particular occasions, made of the finest led cloth, and on it was placed, below the breast, two aigrettes of large diamonds; and in a sash of rich satin, round his waist, was fixed a dagger, the handle of which was so thickly covered with diamonds, as to render it impossible to discover of what other materials it was made. On his head he wore a superb turban, with rows of pearls placed on the different folds. His rich dress, his venerable appearance, having a very long black beard, which he was continually stroking, altogether made a most interesting figure. The other grandees that were seated on the same sofa were as magnificently dressed, in all respects, excepting the red robe.
Having been served with coffee and sweetmeats, according to custom, the ceremony began by his Highness investing Sir Richard Bickerton with a pelice, the star and red ribband, and medal of the Order of the Crescent; all of which being properly arranged, he was desired to kneel, at which time the Grand Seignior’s firman was read, impowering his Highness to confer the honour of Knighthood, which was immediately performed on the Rear-Admiral; upon whose rising a royal salute was fired, and other demonstrations of satisfaction, agreeable to the Turkish custom. The star is most beautifully set with diamonds, and the pelice is valued at 300l.
Sir Richard Bickerton having retired to his seat, the senior Post-Captain was invested in the same form with the pelice and gold medal of the Order, and was knighted; and then the other three Captains in succession.
Four Commanders, and Lieutenant Withers, of the navy, were then knighted in the same manner, but only received a gold medal of the Order, without the pelice.
The same ceremony had been performed on General Hutchinson, and the general officers of the army, the day before.
During the whole of the ceremony music was playing. After the ceremony was finished, a long history was read, stating the power and magnificence of the Grand Seignior, and consequently the value the knights were to set upon the different honours conferred. This finished, they were treated with sherbet; they then arose dressed in their finery, and departed on their horses in the same form they came; at which time another salute was fired.
Sir Richard afterwards obtained his sovereign’s permission to wear the insignia of the Order, and the Royal license to bear, in allusion thereto, a Crescent, and certain other appropriate honourable augmentations to. his family arms, together with supporters.
