Pitt as hangman stands beside a fire of faggots immediately outside the door of the 'crown & anchor' (name on door-post). In his right hand is an axe; he drops an open book into the flames, and looks over his shoulder at reeves who is disappearing into the tavern. On one page (right) is the trunk of a tree surmounted by a crown and the words 'the royal stump', on the other: 'no lords no commons no parliame[nt] damn the revolution'. He wears a long coat with a hangman's noose tied round his waist, a round hat, and wrinkled gaiters. From his pocket protrudes a book: 'ministerial sincerity and attachment a novel'. He says:
"know, villains, when such paltry slaves presume
to mix in treason, if the plot succeeds,
you're thrown neglected by: - but if it fails,
you're sure to die like dogs!"
reeves, with hands outstretched in protest, says: "o jenky! jenky! have i gone through thick & thin for this ?" from his coat-pockets hang papers: '£400 pr ann, to the chairm[an] of the crown & anchor', and, 'list of spies informers reporters crown & anchor agents'. On the right fox, sheridan, and erskine blow at the fire; the two former on hands and knees, erskine, in wig and gown, between them, an arm across the shoulders of each. Smoke and the lower parts of the adjacent houses form a background. The title continues: 'see the proceedings of the house of commns novr 26th 1795 - to the charman & members of the truly loyal association at the crown & anchor this small token of gratitude for favors receiv'd, is respectfully dedicated by the author'. 28 november 1795
hand-coloured etching. Date: 1795. Dimensions: Height: 248 mm; Width: 352 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Erskine. Collection: British Museum. The Crown & Anchor libel, burnt by the public hangman;- (BM 1868,0808.6484)
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