Sampson overcome by a Philistian / invented by a theif [sic] ; engrav'd by a pickpocket!
[London] : Publish'd by Bonde at the Thieftakers Office Bow Street, [1782?]
Satirical print inspired by accusations that the Bow Street Magistrates employed "Thieftakers" to decoy persons into crime for the sake of rewards to be gained by convicting them.
Imprint is assumed to be fictitious.
Plate mark on library's copy not visible.
Formerly owned by Sir Robert Peel.
Print shows chief magistrate Sampson Wright sitting in an arm-chair behind a small square table. He is confronted by man standing in front of the table and shaking his fist, saying, "You Rascal! I'll break every Bone in your Body". Sampson's son stands behind the assailant saying: "O Lord! O Lord! my poor Pap'll be killd!" At the magistrate's right hand stands a man who is probably John Bond, the clerk. On the wall over Wright's head are two prints, one of a rat caught in a trap called 'Trap'd'; the other of a cock standing on a vase or pot. On the table are writing materials and a purse inscribed "Dirty Shillings".