"A street scene, in which a stage coach drawn by six horses and laden with passengers inside and out is being driven at full speed from r. to left. They drive past a posting-inn, with an open gateway over which, as a sign, is a head of Wilkes in an oval; beneath it are the words "John Wilkes Esqr. Neat Post Chaises". To the postilion on the near leader is attached a label inscribed "Galloping Liberty". The coach-door is inscribed "For the Corrupted Boroughs". Five passengers (ministerialist candidates) sit inside the coach, fashionably dressed. On the roof sit four men, two flourish clubs; one says: "May the Patriots ride uppermost". The large boot or basket attached to the back of the coach holds six passengers; it is inscribed: "We are honest though poor, or who would be golted [sic] thus for his Country!" The coachman turns round to the passengers saying: "I will not overset Ye, if Ye dont overset Yourselves". On the ground are papers inscribed: "Generall Warrants" (see BMSat 4065); "Boston Port Bill" (see BMSat 5226); "Quebec" (see BMSat 5228, &c); "Inclosures. Bystanders" (l. to right.) point and jeer at the coach: A ragged man (1.) sitting on the ground with two wooden legs, one of which is broken off, says: "Ah, rot such Members, my Members are better!" A ragged woman with two children says: "You have Starved me, and my Children". A seated man points at the papers on the ground saying: "What a litter they have left behind them". A man (r.) says to his companion: "There they go, & the D------l go with them"."--British Museum online catalogue
Alternative Title:
Dissolution of Parliament
Description:
Title engraved below image., Publication place and date from that of the periodical for which this plate was engraved. Publication date in the Catalogue of prints and drawings in the British Museum is given as 1 November., Plate from: London Magazine. London : Printed for J. Baldwin, v. 43 (1774) , p. 464., and Temporary local subject terms: Dissolution of Parliament, September 30, 1774 -- Bills: Boston Port Act -- Québec Act -- Enclosures: private enclosure bills -- General Warrants -- Vehicles: coach with a basket -- Buildings: posting inn.
