A satire on the contested Westminster election of 1788.
Library's copy trimmed within plate mark.
Print shows the 'Election-Troops', headed by Major Topham, at the barred gate of the 'Treasury', behind which stands Pitt, holding a large key. He says, "I know nothing of you my Friends, Lord H------d pays all the expences himself - Hush! Hush! go to the back-Door in Great George Street under the Rose!" Topham holds out to Pitt a paper inscribed 'For Puffs & Squibs and for abusing opposition', in his right hand is a newspaper, 'The World'. Behind him is a newsboy holding his horn, on his cap is the word 'Star' above a star. Under his arm is a copy of 'The Star' newspaper, in his right hand a paper inscribed 'For changing Sides; for hiring of Ballad Singers & Grub Street Writers. . .' . Next him is a publican holding a paper inscribed 'For Eating & Drink[ing] for Jack Ass Boys'. Behind these, three of the Foot Guards march together, each holding a paper inscribed 'For the attack in Bow Street'; one holds a bayonet dripping with blood. Across the front of their caps is the word 'Hood'. A cobbler holding a pair of shoes holds out a paper inscribed 'For Voting 3 times'; he walks next to two ballad-singers, one of whom holds a paper in her right hand inscribed 'For Singing Ballads at 5 Shill pr Day . .', in her left hand is a sheaf of broadsides inscribed 'A begging we will go --- --- A new Song'. The woman next her holds a similar account; her hat is inscribed 'Hood'. On the extreme left is a sailor with a bludgeon who holds out a paper: 'For kicking up a Riot'. Between these two and the cobbler a bearded Jewish man holds up in both hands a paper inscribed 'For Perjury & procuring Jew Voters'. Behind are the heads of the rest of the crowd; most wear election favours in their hats with the word 'Hood'. Cf. British Museum online catalog.