The bellman and the captain

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The bellman and the captain
etching and engraving
sheet: 256 x 333 mm
Purchased by J. Pierpont Morgan, 1900.
Peel 2583
Published: 
[London?] : [publisher not identified], [1749]
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Publication date from BM Satires.
Both caricature and verses concern a story which first appeared in The Chester courant, July 25, 1749, with the incident having reportedly occurred in Manchester on July 14, 1749.
Ninety four lines of verse in five columns, in letterpress, below image on the plate: An arch and sturdy bellman of the town, that us' to cry his matters up and down ...

Summary: 

"An engraving of a room with figures. An officer, finding that the bellman of the town always omitted to conclude his cry with "God save King George," called him up to his room, and drawing his sword, exclaimed, 'Ye Dog I'll Break the Bones in your Rebellious Hide!' for not praying for King George. The bellman sneeringly replied, 'King G-? I pray! -O good lack-a-day!' On the ground is a paper, 'By my C-m-on you may See I eat his Bread.' Two standers-by remark, 'The People's Bread he Means'. A butcher, representing the Duke of Cumberland, cries out, 'Stick him Capt, as ye saying is'."

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