In testimony of the high respect entertained by the Magistrates and Council and the Community of Edinburgh for His Royal Highness, and in recognition of the warm interest -taken by the Prince in the Edinburgh International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art, as evidenced by His Royal Highness' presence to open the Exhibition.
"This present work is of special interest, as being the first Exhibition of an international character that has ever been held in Scotland. Although there may have been undertakings of a similar nature on a larger scale in other countries, yet as I look down the list of exhibits I wonder whether objects more worthy of intelligent attention have at any previous time been collected under one roof. The Artisan section is one which, I trust, will be productive of the most beneficial results, and I shall indeed be disappointed if my anticipations regarding this branch of your Exhibition are not fulfilled. I assure you that I fully appreciate the compliment which you have been so good as to pay me by presenting me with the freedom of your renowned and beautiful city, and I beg leave to express in conclusion a fervent hope that Edinburgh may always preserve the high reputation which she has long held for promoting useful and scientific enterprises."