Tag Archives: Military Officers

The York sparring match, being M.A. Clarke’s first set

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“Mrs. Clarke stands just within the House of Commons triumphing over her opponents and victims. She strikes a member (Croker) with a rapier, while holding up in her left hand a letter headed My dear Mrs Clark. She tramples on a military officer who lies prone; a paper under his hand is inscribed Genl [Clav]ering. Her antagonists have dropped their swords, which lie broken on the floor. Her large muff lies beside her with a bundle of Love Letters. Croker tries to escape, exclaiming, By Jasus she’ll give us 100 Cuts in 60 thrusts. Perceval rushes off, with a mutilated hand, saying, I am Struck dumb, and lost my thumb! I Percieve all. Another (the Attorney-General) exclaims: Oh! dear! Oh dear! she has cut off my Ear Ex officio. A little man whose nose has been cut off, exclaims: What dreadfull blows–Witness my Nose, my Honeys. In his pocket is a paper: Memorandum for Mr Hague [see British Museum Satires No. 11211]. A tall man (Yorke, see British Museum Satires No. 11535) shouts, raising his arms: Take her into custody–She will be to much for us–send her to York Jail. Shadowy figures watch the encounter. A corner of the gallery is seen, crowded with eager spectators. Two men watch from the lobby (right).”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: The York sparring match, being M.A. Clarke’s first set to, & who is likely to become the champion of all England [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. March 1st, 1809, by Fores, No. 50 Piccadilly, [1 March 1809]

Catalog Record

809.03.01.01+

Acquired April 2023

Royal love letters

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Heading to a broadside printed in two columns. Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, is dressed in an officer’s uniform and seated at a writing desk next to a window. He turns to gaze at a portrait on the wall of his mistress, Mary Anne Clark. Printed beneath the satirical illustration are a love poem and a quoted extract from a love letter, taken from the work ‘The Authentic and Impartial Life of Mrs. Mary Anne Clarke’ that was published after the Duke severed ties with her in 1809.

 

  • Title: Royal love letters [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Published by M.C. Springsguth, [approximately 1809]

Catalog Record

809.00.00.65+

Acquired November 2022

They have been weighed in the balance

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“Mrs. Clarke (left) stands on one of a pair of scales which is held down by Wardle and almost rests on the ground, while three lawyers in wigs and gowns (evidently Sir W. Grant, Gibbs, and Plomer) stand on the other (right) which General Clavering tries desperately to pull down. The beam is inscribed England expects every Man to do his Duty, and is supported on a mitre (see British Museum Satires No. 11227) worn by the Duke of York, who stands on William Adam’s back, which is inscribed Rock of Adam ant. Adam, who lies prone, puffs a blast inscribed Gratuisously [sic] against Mrs. Clarke. Under his hand is an Anonymous Letter. Wardle, in civilian dress, holds out towards the Duke a paper headed [Ch]arges. Perceval, in his Chancellor of the Exchequer’s gown, leans towards the right scale, holding out two papers: 199 Majority and 82 Majority, another, 241 Majority, lies on the scale. Where this scale is attached to the beam there is a purse labelled Light Crown Pieces. The Duke wears regimentals with gorget and star, and holds a paper: the Honor of a . . . [Prince]. He holds his drawn sword across Perceval, as if protecting him. Clavering sits on the ground, straining at the ropes. He sits on a paper inscribed [G]enl Claver[ing], and has a paper: Prevaricating Evidence [see British Museum Satires No. 11247]. Beside him is a fragment of paper inscribed Sic donec. Beside the principal performers, and between Mrs. Clarke and the Duke, stands John Bull, a short fat ‘cit’, holding a large weight inscribed Vox Populi –Sterling. He says: If I dont throw in my weight, our dearest sweetest Love will get the worst of it after all. (Her scale, however, rests on the ground with Wardle’s help only.) She turns to him, saying, O Mr Bull! Pray give a pull! At her feet are Letters [see British Museum Satires No. 11228, &c.].”–British Museum online catalogue.

 

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: They have been weighed in the balance, and are found wanting [graphic] / Flagelantes invt.
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. March 1809 by Walker, No. 7 Cornhill, [March 1809]

Catalog Record

809.03.00.07+

Acquired November 2022

The rival queans, or, A scene in The beggars opera

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“Mrs. Clarke (left) and Mrs. Carey (right) (see British Museum Satires No. 11050) berate each other; both wear evening dress, with feathers in their hair, those of Mrs. Carey being the taller. The Duke, wearing regimentals, watches the quarrel, equally distant from both. Mrs. Clarke, arms akimbo, says: “Why how now Madam Carey, although you are so Warey In saveing of your cash, John Bull and I we both will try, And settle all your hash.” [see 1803 Isaac Cruikshank print for an earlier use of this phrase, BM impression 1868,0808.7141/ PPA108823] Mrs. Carey retorts: “Why how now Madam Clarke—— Why since you thus can chatter—— And thus betray your spark—— I wonder whats the matter with, you, Madam Clarke!!” The Duke looks at Mrs. Clarke, stopping his ears, a leg raised in angry protest; he says: “Zounds! the thunder of Valencienes was Music to this”. Behind Mrs. Clarke is a cockatoo on a high perch, screaming: “go it! go it”; a chair has been overturned, and a mastiff, its collar inscribed ‘John Bull’, barks at the Duke. A small dog behind Mrs. Carey also barks. She stands with her back to the fire. On the chimney-piece a china Cupid aims his arrow at a heart on the trunk of a tree.”–British Museum online catalogue.

 

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: The rival queans, or, A scene in The beggars opera [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. March 1809 by Walker, Cornhill, [March 1809]

Catalog Record

809.03.00.08+

Acquired November 2022

To the most noble George Marquis of Townshend

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“A mounted officer of the Norfolk rangers, his blued sword drawn, a Tarleton helmet on his head, in green uniform with black facings and silver lace, a sword-belt across his chest and a sash about his waist, other members of the corps exercising in the fields beyond, the colours of the regiment below.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Printmaker: Tomkins, Charles, 1757-1823, printmaker, artist.
  • Title: To the most noble George Marquis of Townshend, the officers and gentlemen of the Norfolk Rangers, this portrait and representation of their uniform is inscribed by the proprietors [graphic] / drawn & engrav’d by Chas. Tomkins.
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. as the act directs, Decr. 1, 1799, for the proprietors by Egerton, Whitehall, [1 December 1799]

Catalog Record

799.12.01.01

Acquired June 2021

A representation of the present state of France

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“Napoleon, pushing an officer before him through a pillared doorway, looks back to speak to a monk and a sansculotte, shackled together, who drag a car in which is an imperial crown. They hold a large scroll inscribed: ‘Most religious Sovereign – the benefactor of the church – the patron of liberty – the scourge of tyrants, and the defender of our most holy religion; may you long fill the Imperial Chair, and diffuse over a free and happy people all the blessings of your auspicious government.’ Demons fly round a tricolour flag which floats from the car. Napoleon holds out a scroll headed: ‘Address, &c. &c. &c. The Legions of France congratu – ‘, saying, “This token of your gratitude, my dear subjects will ever stimulate me to protect your liberties – to promote your happiness – and to preserve my empire from the ravages of war, tyranny and oppression.” The officer, with a cynical smile, says: “Patron of Liberty – Defender of our most holy Religion – free and happy People – Ha! ha! ha! – What may we not expect? – Has he not got them under excellent subjection?” On the left is Napoleon’s ‘Secret Chamber’: a table is covered with maps and plans; a large map, partly unrolled, shows Europe from ‘[En]gland to [Tur]key’, including the ‘Black Sea’; another map shows ‘Suez’ and the ‘Red Sea’. A demon under the table holds up a large pile of papers: ‘Plans against England’; on the floor are similar piles: ‘Religion’ and ‘Treaties’. There are also ‘Plans against Germany and Turkey’, and a paper: ‘Mem. the chance of the conquest of England is worth the sacrifice of one third of the people of France. Item. As Charlemaine not only conquered Italy, but the whole of Germany, and left the Imperial dignity hereditary in the Sovereigns of France, it is indispensably necessary to obtain possession of Germany, in order to support the dignity of the Gallic empire.’ On the wall are three pictures: ‘Sacking of Rome’, ‘Dissolution of the National Assembly’ [see British Museum Satires No. 9426, &c], and ‘View of Cairo’ [see British Museum Satires No. 9358, &c.]. Below the design: ‘Explanation. The two figures bringing the Imperial crown . . . represent . . . the bitter Enemies of Aristocracy, and the staunch Supporters of the late Monarchial Government, tackled to the National Machine, and reduced to the most abject State of Slavery by the Influence of the Military, whose congratulatory Address Bonaparte has received at the Hand of an Officer, and is introducing him into his Secret Chamber to receive Instructions. The Demons hovering over the Imperial Crown denote Five Years of Destruction; during which Period Bonaparte will overrun and ravage the greater Part of the Continent of Europe, be the Means of nearly depopulating Turkey, and finally be slain with the Sword, be cast out as an abominable Branch, and be left as Dung to rot on the Face of the Earth.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Title: A representation of the present state of France [graphic].
  • Publication:[London] : Published by L. Mayer, as the act directs, August 13, 1804.
  • Manufacture: [London] : Bryer, printer, Bridge Street, Blackfriars

Catalog Record

804.08.13.01+

Acquired May 2021

 

Putting his foot in it

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“A Portuguese soldier and a British soldier, facing each other, co-operatively seize Ferdinand VII, who is putting his left foot across a line dividing Spain (right) from Portugal. Each holds a musket without bayonet. The Englishman’s right hand is on Ferdinand’s shoulder; the Portuguese clutches one of the King’s ass’s ears. Ferdinand wears a crown, a long cloak, and a spiky ruff. A French officer on the extreme right makes off to the right, shocked and alarmed; he looks over his shoulder, exclaiming, Sacré dieu! le pauvre bete est attrappée.”–British Museum online catalogue.

  • Title: Putting his foot in it [graphic].
  • Publication: London : Published by Thos. McLean, 26 Haymarket, 1826.

Catalog Record

826.00.00.90+

Acquired May 2021

Dramatic effect, or, The death of Genl. Duroc

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“The interior of a tent. Duroc, in his shirt, lies supported by a soldier on a wooden bed, while Napoleon (right) holds his right hand, turning away (to the right) and covering his face with his left hand. An officer stands solicitously beside the Emperor, supporting his left elbow. Another officer stands (left) behind the head of the low bed. On the extreme left a soldier bends over a table compounding medicaments. Duroc’s coat and sword lie on a camp-stool, beside his hat and boots. A glimpse of the distant camp is seen on the extreme right, where a Mameluke stands by the tent holding Napoleon’s horse. Duroc is addressing the Emperor, with his left arm extended. Their words are etched below the title: “Duroc, “My whole life has been consecrated to your service, nor do I regret its loss, but for the use it still might have been of to your Buonaparte, “Duroc!” there is a life to come; it is there you are going to wait for me, and where we shall one day meet again!” Duroc, “Yes Sire! but that will not be these thirty years, when you will have triumphed over your enimies [sic], and realised all the hopes of your country, I have lived an honest man: I have nothing to reproach myself with, ah! Sire! go away this sight gives you pain–Be, “Farewell then my friend”.”–British Museum online catalogue.

 

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: Dramatic effect, or, The death of Genl. Duroc [graphic] : vide French Bulletin.
  • Publication: London : Pubd. June 9th, 1813, by Wm. Holland, No. 11 Cockspur Street, [9 June 1813]

Catalog Record

813.06.09.01

Acquired November 2020

A Portugal catch for three voices

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“Three men sit, singing a catch, with a round table between them. A British officer (perhaps Cotton), wearing a cocked hat, sits in profile to the right, facing Dalrymple who sits (right) with tightly closed mouth, his hands on his knees. Between them, but with his chair from Dalrymple, sits a man in Spanish (here Portuguese) dress, wearing a feathered hat. The British officer sings: T’was You Sir-Hew – Twas Hew. that let the French Escape, That makes you look so blue Sir-Hew Sir Hew! He and the Portuguese (perhaps Freire) point minatory hands at Dalrymple, whose face is painted lead colour. On the wall are two pictures: (above the Portuguese) ‘A correct representation of the French Plunderers stopt in their progress by the Spanish Patriots.’ [at Baylen] and (above Dalrymple): ‘A Correct representation of the French Plunderers quitting Portugal for France – under a British Escort.’ In one a long train of wagons is stopped by armed men, in the other are ships in full sail. On the table are glasses and decanters of ‘Port and Calcavella’.”–British Museum online catalogue.

 

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: A Portugal catch for three voices [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. Octr. 1808 by S.W. Fores, 50 Piccadilly, [October 1808]

Catalog Record

808.10.00.04+

Acquired November 2020

Mother Carey’s chickens

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“A stout and comely lady stands at the door of an ornamentally rustic cottage, shaking a cloth from which tiny officers leap out, holding money-bags. The cloth is inscribed in large letters ‘Pin Money instead of Allowance’. She says: “This is a profitable Plan of his and pays me a Devilish deal better than he can, besides the Patronage!!” Five elderly officers of normal size (right) watch their pigmy rivals with consternation. One looks through his glass, saying, “To waste ones health in unwholesome Climates an then fail of promotion because we cannot fee ****** or Army Agents Agents.!!” Another says: “Mother Careys Chickens by – then we shall have a storm indeed!” A third exclaims: “What to spend our lives in the service of our Country, and to be thus degraded by a parcel of Boys!!” He has a wooden leg and a patch over one eye. Another had lost his right arm, and the group seem hardly fit for active service. The ‘boys’ wear fashionable crescent-shaped cocked hats with plumes, the others old-fashioned hats with cockade, loop, and button. Over the door is inscribed in large letters ‘… mus Cottage’. It has the ornamental Gothic windows with leaded panes and thatched roof of fashionable rusticity. Beside it is a weeping willow. Below the title: ‘NB these Birds have lately been seen hovering about the Horse Guards’. Below the design: ‘a Storm Finch, or stormy petterel (the Mother Careys Chickens of the Sailors). Procellaria Pelagica of Linnœus. is seldom or never seen but in the great Ocean, and then when observed flying near a Ship, is the sure prognostication of a Storm, the analagy [sic] of effect has induced modern Naturalists to class these, with the Pelagica of Linnœus, tho differing in plumage’.”–British Museum online catalogue.

 

  • Printmaker: Williams, Charles, active 1797-1830, printmaker.
  • Title: Mother Carey’s chickens [graphic].
  • Publication: [London] : Pubd. Novr. 1808 by S.W. Fores, No. 50 Piccadilly, [November 1808]

Catalog Record

808.11.00.01+

Acquired June 2020