A shot from Buckingham to Bedford : Thurday, May 2d, 1822 / I.R.C.
Print shows a duel between the Duke of Buckingham and the Duke of Bedford. The former is standing with his feet together and arms lowered; he is looks away from his opponent and says: "He is the last man in existence I would wish to quarrel with; but the life of a public man is not worth preserving, unless it be preserved with honour." At his feet are papers: "Borough Proprietor, Corrupt Trafic [sic] &cc Bargain with Ministers," and "So much for Buckingham. Bedford shoots his pistol into the air, his knees bent and his hat knocked from his head; he is saying: "Upon me honour I meant no personal offence to the Duke in the words I have used; nor did I mean to impute to him personally, any bad or corrupt motive whatever." At his feet are papers reading: "County of Bedford Mee[tin]g," "Reform," and "Agricultural Distress." In the background stand the seconds Sir Watkin Williams Wynn and Lord Lynedoch.