The city carriers

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The city carriers
engraving
image: 103 x 181 mm; sheet: 118 x 197 mm
Peel 2611
Provenance: 
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Notes: 

Title from item.
Print from the London Magazine, September 1769, page 393 (facing), where it appeared with the explanation: We hear a new print is engraving, entitled The City Carriers, representing an ass laden with two panniers, one containing the city grievances, the other the apprehensions of the Livery of London. The ass is to be led by the L.M. assisted by Sir R.L. and Mess. Aldermen B. and T. as ass-drivers. Near them a Fox is seen stealing into covert.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.

Summary: 

Print shows the entrance to St. James's Palace, where a procession led by Samuel Turner, Lord Mayor of London, approaches in order to present the King with the Petition of the Livery of London. Turner walks in the company of Liberty and leads a mule carrying the figure of Truth; the mule is followed by W. Beckford, Alderman Barlow Trecothick, and Sir R. Ladbroke. Thomas Harley is represented as an effigy consisting of crossed poles with a block head and a mayor's gown and chain. At far right, a sentry standing beside the gate is accosted by Lord Holland (shown with the head of a fox) who whispers in his ear and points to a fool's cap(?) lying on the ground at his feet, under which are the words "It fits exactly".

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