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PORTSMOUTH, Feb. 27. The soldiers are all gone off the Common to help build the Forts ordered to be erected between Cumberland Fort, Port-Bridge, and Portchester.
— Sherborne Mercury, Monday 08 March, 1756 (source)
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Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, dated March 8.
“Yesterday his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland came to Portsbridge, about four Miles from hence, and viewed the new Forts now erecting between that and Langston Harbour, with which he seemed particularly pleased; after which he set out for London. His Royal Highness was attended by the Duke of Richmond, the Earl of Albemarle, Lord George Lenox, and Commodore Keppel; the three last of whom came hither, and dined on board the Torbay, the Commodore’s Ship.
— The Kentish Post or Canterbury Newsletter, Saturday 13 March, 1756 (source)
A second visit a few months later:
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Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, July 4.
“On Wednesday Evening, at Eight o’Clock, arrived his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, amidst the Acclamations of many thousand People. His Royal Highness was met by the Rope-Makers of the Dock-Yard, three Miles from the Town, in white Shirts and black Caps, and carrying Streamers in their Hands, they ran before his Landau into the Town. General Hawley received his Royal Highness at the Landport-Gate, and delivered him the Keys of the Garrison, which were immediately returned him.
The Guns at Port Bridge were fired as he pass’d through that fort; as were those all round the Garrison. As soon as he entered the Town, the Streets through which he pass’d from the Land-Port to the Governor’s House, were lined by the Marines, who made a very handsome Appearance; the Bells rang, the Colours were display’d on the Tower, and every Thing was done that could be thought of to demonstrate the sincere Joy and Pleasure the Inhabitants felt in seeing his Royal Highness among them.
This Morning the Mayor, Aldermen, and Burgesses, in their Formalities, waited on him, were most graciously received, and had the Honour to kiss his Hand. His Royal Highness was made a Burgess of this Corporation the 25th of July, 1739. His Royal Highness is now going to view the Fleet, and is to dine on board the Prince, where a most sumptuous Entertainment is provided for him, and his Noble Attendants: The Barges take Precedence in the following Manner;
- The eldest Captain.
- Rear Admiral West, with his Flag flying.
- Vice Admiral, Sir Edw. Hawke, with his Flag.
- Admiral, Lord Anson, with his Flag.
- His Royal Highness the Duke, with his Standard.
- The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with the Flag of their Office.
- All the Captains, according to Seniority.
— Derby Mercury, Friday 04 July, 1755 (source)
Another account (Slight?) gives more attention to the ropemakers:
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As His Royal Highness approached the town the Royal Dockyard Ropemakers, who according to custom were privileged to precede the monarch on these occasions, took up their position habited in white jackets, nankeen trousers, and wearing purple sashes embroidered with loyal insignia and with laurel boughs in their hats and bearing white wands. They led the procession to the gates of the town.