Turn-coats and cut-throats [graphic]

"Men are fighting with clubs on a wide upper landing and on a flight of stairs (right) which leads to the hall below. Two doors open on to the landing, over one (right) is inscribed 'Freedom of Election'; through the other more men are seen with clubs, advancing to join the fray."--British Museum online catalogue

"During the general election of 1796 the boroughs of Inverkeithing (including also Stirling, Dunfermline, Queensferry, and Culross) were contested by Sir John Henderson of Fordel (the ministerial candidate) and the Hon. Andrew Cochrane Johnstone. The election of a delegate for Dunfermline was of vital importance. To secure this (for Johnstone) a party of Dunfermline councillors were lodged at the inn at Kinghorn, where the Town Clerk, John Hutton, and the hostess of the chief inn, Johanna (or Luckie) Skinner, were expert in managing elections. The inn was assaulted (unsuccessfully) by a body from Dunfermline, including colliers from Fordel (supporters of Henderson). After a series of incidents, arrests, &c, Johnstone was elected (20 June), though the delegate for Dunfermline voted for Sir John because the councillors who had been successfully taken to Kinghorn were under arrest. The election was confirmed on petition (Mar. 1797). The persons depicted include Col. Erskine, the leader of the attacking party, Hutton, and Skinner, and a postilion at the foot of the stairs who did great execution with the spoke of a wheel. 'Collection', No. 212. Kay, No. cccvii."--Dorothy George note