The national parachute, or, John Bull conducted to plenty & emancipation [graphic].

"Pitt stands beside John Bull in a basket, inscribed 'Sinking Fund', which is attached to an elaborate pagoda-like parachute. On the apex of the parachute is a solid ball or weight inscribed. 'Million pr Annum at Interest & Compd I[nterest]'. From this floats upwards into the clouds a tattered ribbon inscribed 'National Debt', by which the parachute was attached to the base of the balloon. The umbrella of the parachute is covered with the words 'Compd Interest \ Interest', many times repeated. The ropes which attach it to the basket are encircled by a 'Hoop of National Security'. John Bull looks down grinning and cheering, waving his hat. Pitt's right hand is on his shoulder, his left points out the earth beneath: the tiny British isles in a curving ocean near the edge of the globe. Over Great Britain, inscribed 'Land of Emancipation', flies a large Union flag. Unless the parachute drifts to the right, it will fall into the sea."--British Museum online catalogue.