Caption title.
Questionable month of publication from British Museum catalogue.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
George III stands passively in profile to the right while members of the new ministry fix shackles to his wrists and ankles. He is saying, "Oh! my misguided People". Rockingham is walking off (right) holding the crown in his right hand, saying "Dispose of these Jewels for the Publick Use". He wears trunk hose and cross-hilted sword, a long robe trails on the ground behind him. The Duke of Richmond, in profile to the left, is fixing a shackle to the king's left wrist; he says, "I Command the Ordnance". (On 30 Mar. he was appointed Master General of the Ordnance.) In front of him a thin man kneeling on one knee, in profile to the left, is adjusting a fetter on the king's left ankle; he is probably Lord John Cavendish. On the king's left Fox kneels attaching a fetter to his right leg; he has the head of a fox and is saying, "I Command the Mob". Behind him, holding the chain which the king holds in his right hand, is Admiral Keppel in naval uniform, saying, "I Command the Fleet". He had been made a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty on 30 Mar., the Admiralty being put in commission. On his right stands General Conway in military uniform, clasping his hands, and looking to his right; he says "Which way shall I turn? How can I decide?" He had been made Commander-in-Chief on 30 Mar.; in spite of his famous resolution of 22 Feb. he was not a whole-hearted supporter of the new ministry. On the extreme left stands Burke, looking to the right but taking no part in the proceedings. He holds a paper inscribed "Pay Master", and is saying "The best of Ministers The best of K ..." A reference to Burke's eulogy, on 15 April, of the king's message recommending the "effectual Plan of OEconomy", his words being, "It was the best of messages to the best of people from the best of kings". Cf. British Museum online catalogue.