The ascent of a circular balloon, inscribed "america", is watched by spectators; there are two passengers in its basket. The names of the persons are shown by numbers referring to notes in the upper margin. (1), "spain" and (2) "france" stand (left) bound together by a chain held by a padlock inscribed "family compact". France, lean and elegant, though grotesque, rests his right elbow on spain's shoulder, he points upwards at the balloon, saying, "t'will be ours soon"; within the label containing these words is a small butterfly. On the right stands (3) "dr f--k--n" [franklin] wearing ark spectacles; in his right hand he holds up a knife inscribed "sedition", in the left is an oval mask, probably symbol of duplicity. He says "i've cut the bands that have long restraind my ambition as poor richard says", evidently implying that the ropes which held down the balloon america have been cut by him. The ground at franklin's feet is inscribed, "once british colonys but now to be lett on fighting leases"; in front of him are the ends of two broken 'bands' cut by him, inscribed "loyalty" and "friendship". Behind franklin (right) is (4) holland, a clumsy dutch burgher; he gazes at the balloon saying "i will profit by your inexperiance mynheers"; from his pocket three small devils are emerging. A stream divides these four persons in the foreground from groups on a much smaller scale. (5) and (6), "chas f--x" and "l------ n-----th" dance together hand-in-hand, signifying the coalition. Beside them, piping for their dance, is the devil capering on one hoof; he is (7) "director general". A group (left) of prostrate and despairing figures on a minute scale is weighted down by a rectangular block inscribed "oppression", "taxes". On this block a gallows stands, from which hang three corpses inscribed respectively "trade", "wealth", "liberty". On the cross-beam of the gallows stands a small figure, (8), "military force of gt b------n", who appears to be sending up small oval balloons or bladders, he stretches out his arms towards the large balloon, america; a label issues from his mouth inscribed "g------e h--we c--t--n, b--g--e &c", evidently gage, howe, carleton, burgoyne. To the balloon is attached a basket in which are two passengers: on the left (10), "genl w--h--t--n" [washington] stretches out his arms towards (11) "the ghost of o cromwell", who emerges from clouds on the left wearing armour and holding out a crown cut in half and a headsman's axe. Washington has two faces, one in profile to the left facing cromwell, the other in profile to the right. On the right. Of the basket is (9) "silas d------ne" [deane]
covering his face with his hands at (12) the ghost of "john ye painter" emerging from clouds on the right and holding out a gallows. Deane's hair is rising in horror. 29 december 1783
etching. Date: 1783. Dimensions: Height: 353 mm; Width: 248 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: James Aitken. Collection: British Museum. Original air balloon (BM 1868,0808.5070)
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