Call of the (house), or, Slave Trade in a land of liberty (BM 1868,0808.6175)

Pitt is seated on an ass inscribed 'Poor John Bull', between two groups gaping for the loaves and fishes with which the ass is laden, the fish being in two panniers. He is assisted by the two Treasury secretaries, each with a gigantic pen. He sits sideways in profile to the left facing the larger crowd, saying, "Have Patience ! and do as you are bid, and depend on a Call - Stand still Jack, I'm lightening your Burden." He thrusts a fish into the mouth of an applicant; in his left hand he holds out two other fish. George Rose, a rose decorating his queue, uses his large pen, inscribed 'Fragrant Ink', as a barrier to press back the hungry crowd, saying, "Fall back till you are called - you'll all have a Call sooner or later". The most prominent is Alderman Curtis, wearing sea-boots, who says, "Give an old Fisherman a few Fish to his Biscuits" [see BMSat 7676]. Arden, Master of the Rolls, on the extreme left, walks away with a large bundle of fish, saying, "Whats Rowls without Fish Dam it a Man can't live on Bread alone". Brook Watson, his wooden leg thrust out, his pocket full of fish, grovels on the ground under Rose's legs to grasp two fish which are under the feet of the ass, saying, "My Wife has a Call for these" [see BMSat 6965]. The other Ministerialists, who are much caricatured, cannot be identified.

Charles Long, the other Treasury Secretary (succeeded Steele Sept. 1791), holds his Long Quill as a bar to press back the clamouring members of the Opposition (right), saying, "You are not called my sweet Sirs, nor like to be - so stand back". Burke grovels on the ground between Long's legs, a pendant to Watson, grasping fish in both hands, saying, "I have no Call to open my Mouth now." In the front row stand Sheridan, Fox, and (?) M. A. Taylor, clamouring with melancholy expressions. Sheridan holds a chamber-pot on which is an anchor (emblem of the Duke of Clarence and Mrs. Jordan, see BMSat 7909, &c). Fox holds a large bucket in each hand, on one is a fox, sitting up with greedy expectation, [Mr. Hawkins has written 'Swinish Multitude' on this bucket: the animal has some resemblance to a pig.] on the other are the feathers of the Prince of Wales; he says, "Our Vessels are Empty ! Oh ! pray attend! for our Call is great" [cf. BMSat 7873]. Behind these there are three central heads in profile, that of Powys being in the centre. The ass looks down dejectedly; his harness is inscribed 'Poor Jack Bull'. He says "Its high time this Trade was abolished." The 'house' of the title is depicted. 2 April 1792

Etching

satirical print great britain british museum british art satirical prints in the british museum emblems high resolution slave trade political cartoons public domain cartoon images prince of wales aristocracy public domain comics

1792

British Museum

https://www.britishmuseum.org/

public domain