Iohn Bull makeing [sic] a naval enqury [sic] [graphic].

"John Bull, as a burly and ugly sailor, sits enthroned (right), listening to Melville's plea of innocence. Melville, in Highland dress, and wearing a feathered bonnet, stands in profile to the right. with clasped hands and flexed knees; he says: "Indeed Mr Bull - I knaw nae more aboot it - than Johnny Groat o'the Highlands." Trotter lurks behind him (left) furtively twitching his superior's kilt, and jerking his thumb to the left.; he says: "Take my advice - and let us Trot off while we are well, he looks confounded inquisitive." John scowls and glares pugnaciously, saying, "Why Look ye - de ye see - I dont come for to go for to say - exactly, that you sack'd the cole - all I say is the Shiners set sail - and as you had the care of the Hatches - it is, likely, you should know what Port they steer'd into! I say let's look at your log book Old one." He wears striped trousers and a knotted scarf; in his hat is a tobacco-pipe. His chair stands on a dais and is decorated with a crowned anchor and dolphins."--British Museum online catalogue

A satire on Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, who was accused of appropriating funds for non-naval purposes during his tenure as Lord of the Admiralty. Dundas was the most prominent Scottish politician of his era and instrumental in the progress of the Scottish Enlightenment. He is controversial today through his delaying the abolition of slavery for several years