The commissioners [graphic].

[London] : Pubd. April 1, 1778 by M. Darly 39 Strand, [1 April 1778]

1 print : etching and roulette ; sheet 23 x 33 cm

wove paper.

"The five commissioners (right) recently nominated to negotiate peace with the colonies, kneel one behind the other at the feet of America, who sits (left) on a pile of barrels and bales looking away from the Commissioners at a cap of liberty which she holds on a staff. She is a partly draped woman wearing a crown of feathers; her head is irradiated, and above it is suspended a laurel wreath. The bales and barrels on which she sits are inscribed "Tobacco for Germany"; "Rice for France"; "Tobacco for France"; "Tobacco for Holland"; "America 1778"; "Indico for Spain"; "Indico for the Mediterranean Ports, V.R." (Monogram.), cf. BMSat 5472, 5859, &c. The Commissioners are headed by Lord Howe in naval dress; he says, "We have block'd up your ports, obstructed your trade, with the hope of starving ye, & contrary to the Law of Nations compelld your sons to war against their Bretheren". Behind him is General Sir William Howe, wearing the red ribbon of the Bath; he says "We have ravaged your Lands, burnt your Towns, and caus'd your captive Heroes to perish, by Cold, pestilence & famine". Next is Lord Carlisle wearing the green ribbon of the Thistle; he says "We have profaned your places of Divine worship, derided your virtue and piety, and scoff'd at that spirit which has brought us thus on our knees before ye". He is foppishly dressed and appears deeply interested in his snuff-box, cf. BMSat 5474. Behind him is William Eden (afterwards Lord Auckland) with a pen behind his ear; he says, "We have Ravish'd, Scalp'd, and murder'd your People, even from Tender infancy to decrepid age, altho Supplicating for Mercy", cf. BMSat 5470, &c. Last comes Commodore George Johnstone, known as Governor Johnstone, in naval dress; he is saying, "For all which material services, we the Commissioners from the most pious & best of sovereigns, doubt not your cordial duty & affection towards us, or willingness to submit yourselves again to receive the same, whenever we have power to bestow it on ye". The five swords of the Commissioners lie in a pile on the ground beside Carlisle. The words of the speakers are in long labels, numbered, as are the five Commissioners, to show by whom they are spoken."--British Museum online catalogue.

English

September 15, 2004

Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum. Division I, political and personal satires, v. 5, no. 5473

Etchings - England - 1778.