Westminster conscripts under the Training Act / Js. Gillray fect.

Image not available
James Gillray
1756-1815
Westminster conscripts under the Training Act / Js. Gillray fect.
[London] : Pubd September 1st 1806 by H Humphrey, 27 St James's Street, [1806]
Bequest of Gordon N. Ray, 1987.
1986.332
Published: 
[London] : Pubd September 1st 1806 by H. Humphrey, 27 St James's Street, [1806]
Provenance: 
From the library of Gordon N. Ray.
Notes: 

A satire on the peace negotiations with the French and on Windham's Training Act.

Summary: 

Print shows a scene outside the 'Treasury', where ministers and their supporters as 'Corporal and Conscripts' obey the orders of their 'Drill-Serjeant' Napoleon, who orders them to "Ground arms!" Next to him is Fox seated in an invalid's wheeled chair on the back of which are the coronet and feathers of the Prince of Wales. He is 'Grand Double Drums' and is beating a pair of kettle-drums, one inscribed 'GR' and crown, the other 'N' and crown. On Fox's right is the 'Flugel Man', Grenville. The 'Corporal & Conscripts' facing Napoleon include Windham, Lord Holland, Sheridan, Petty, Lord Temple, Erskine, Howick, Sidmouth, Spencer, Ellenborough, Moira, St. Vincent, Hanger, and the Duke of Clarence. Most of the 'conscripts' wear civilian dress with crossed bandoleers, and are in most unsoldierly confusion. By the Treasury gate stands the 'Constable of the Corps', Talleyrand. Above his head a bird with webbed wings and the head of Lauderdale flies towards Fox, clutching a paper: 'Terms of Peace'. In his mouth is a naked olive branch. He wears a bonnet rouge, and his body is covered with tartan.

Artist page: 
Century: 
Classification: 
Department: