Election-troops bringing in their accounts to the pay-table [graphic]

"The 'Election-Troops', headed by Major Topham, advance towards 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' (see BMSat 7210, &c). Behind him is a dwarfish and ragged 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' (see BMSat 7352); one holds a bayonet dripping with blood. Across the front of their caps is the word 'Hood'. A ragged and dwarfish cobbler holding a pair of shoes holds out a paper inscribed 'Far Voting 3 times'; he walks next two ballad-singers, one, fat, ragged, and pregnant, holds in her right hand a paper inscribed 'For Singing Ballads at 5 Skill 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'. Next him is a burly and grinning negro (cf. BMSat 7367). Between these two and the cobbler a bearded Jew 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'."--British Museum online catalogue