New West-India dance : to the tune of 20 Millions

"A man standing with his back turned in the centre of a circle of black dancing men (Thomas Fowell Buxton); to far left, a man seated on a stool, playing the bagpipes; to right, a man holding a hat in his right hand (Lord Althorp), engaged in conversation with John Bull."--British Museum online catalogue

"To the centre of the image is Sir Thomas Fowell Buxton Bt. a politician who advocated for the emancipation of slaves. He is surrounded by a circle of newly freed people. The music is supplied by Mr. Stanley, the Colonial Secretary ; and Lord Althorp, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, calls on John Bull to pay the piper, as he had called for the dance. John Bull is not so keen now, and asks why Buxton (who here represents all emancipators, and particularly the Quakers) should not pay. This print is referring to the newly passed Slavery Abolition Act of 1833. This Act abolished slavery across most of the British Empire, freeing over 800,000 enslaved individuals, primarily in the Caribbean, South Africa, and Canada."--Dealer's descripiton