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A Nest of Billy Biters Lately Discovered in an Ancient Chapel in the West Minister, 26 June 1804

 Item — Box: LF104/7 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/7/77
A Nest of Billy Biters Lately Discovered in an Ancient Chapel in the West Minister, 26 June 1804
A Nest of Billy Biters Lately Discovered in an Ancient Chapel in the West Minister, 26 June 1804

Scope and Contents

Artist: Charles William. Published: S. W. Fores. Pitt (left), very tall and thin, bends over a large nest on the ground in which birds with human heads and ferocious talons are closely grouped; all look up at Pitt, with gaping mouths (shouting or clamouring for food). He is numbered '2' and faces '1', a sturdy yokel in a smock (John Bull), shorter, but otherwise much larger than himself. The man, hat in hand, holds out one of the birds, with the head of Fox, to Pitt, saying, "Please as how your Honor they say's you can tell me what sort of Animals these here be they call 'em in our parts Billy Biters, and says they be Mortal Bolters to be sure they have a got plenty of Mouth as a body may say, and this here one seems to be the Old Cock Bird, I be almost afraid of them." Pitt, with a deprecating gesture, answers: "And so am I my hones [sic] Fellow, but d'ont let that Old Bird go, for he'll surely attack one of us, they are really Carnivorous and will stick to the flesh of any one they Attack like leeches untill they complete his destruction, hold him fast my good Fellow and do stop thier mouths if you can or they will surely do some one a Mischief." He holds a rolled document: 'List of Vacant Places'. The birds (left to right) are Sheridan, Norfolk, Lord Grenville, Erskine, Windham, and (?) Grey. On the nest lie papers: 'Par. liame... Debates, Speech, &c.'. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 26 June 1804

Conditions Governing Access

Physical item available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1.0 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English