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John-Bull, Baited by the Dogs of Excise, 9 April 1790

 Item — Box: LF104/1 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/1/6

Scope and Contents

Created by James Gillray. Acquaint (coloured impression). A bull, chained, muzzled and blindfolded, his horns tipped but snorting fire, is baited by dogs urged on by Pitt who runs forward (right), holding heavy chains labelled 'New Excise Fetters for John Bull'. Pitt points at the bull, shouting, "At him! at him! Tally-ho, ho, ho". From his pocket hangs a paper inscribed 'New Excises intended upon Cyder, Flour, Hardware, Linnens, Woolens, Coals, Butchers Bakers Cheese-mo[ngers] Fish, Water'. Pitt and his dogs are hurrying from the Treasury, over the gate of which the word 'Treasury' has been scored through by 'Office' in large letters. A rose takes the place of his head; in his left hand his paint-pot inscribed 'Kings Yellow'. The bull’s legs are chained to a post inscribed 'Excise'; he is snorting "Liberty! Liberty! And no excise! Huzza!" The dogs have human heads and inscribed collars. The two foremost are Billy Grenv[ille], with a pen behind his ear, and Dundas. The Duke of Richmond (Ordance) is on the bull’s back, biting his ear. Behind are Jenky (Lord Hawkesbury), Sir Pepper (Arden), Sydney, Cam (Camden), and a dog perhaps intended for Camarthen. In the foreground, lying on a heap of tobacco which has fallen from a cask so inscribed (which he befouls) is Thurlow, a dog with the head and wig of Thurlow, his collar inscribed Snap Dragon, fiercely gnawing at a large bone inscribed Opposition at one end and Ministry at the other, which he glares up at Pitt. Attack on Tobacco Excise Bill. Description from the Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires Vol. VI. 7640

Dates

  • Creation: 9 April 1790

Conditions Governing Access

Available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

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University of Sheffield
Western Bank
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