Election-troops, bringing in their accounts, to the pay table., James Gillray, 1788

The 'election-troops', headed by major topham, advance towards the barred gate of the 'treasury', behind which stands pitt, holding a large key. He says, "i know nothing of you my friends, lord h------d pays all the expences himself - hush! hush! go to the back-door in great george street under the rose!" topham holds out to pitt a paper inscribed 'for puffs & squibs and for abusing opposition', in his right hand is a newspaper. 'the world' (see bmsat 7210, &c). Behind him is a dwarfish and ragged newsboy holding his horn, on his cap is the word 'star' above a star. Under his arm is a copy of 'the star' newspaper, in his right hand a paper inscribed 'for changing sides; for hiring of ballad singers & grub street writers. . '. Next him is a publican holding a paper inscribed 'for eating & drink[ing] for jack ass boys'. Behind these, three of the foot guards march together, each holding a paper inscribed 'for the attack in bow street' (see bmsat 7352); one holds a bayonet dripping with blood. Across the front of their caps is the word 'hood'. A ragged and dwarfish cobbler holding a pair of shoes holds out a paper inscribed 'far voting 3 times'; he walks next two ballad-singers, one, fat, ragged, and pregnant, holds in her right hand a paper inscribed 'for singing ballads at 5 skill pr day. ', in her left hand is a sheaf of broadsides inscribed 'a begging we will go --- --- a new song'. The woman next her holds a similar account; her hat is inscribed 'hood'. On the extreme left is a sailor with a bludgeon who holds out a paper: 'for kicking up a riot'. Next him is a burly and grinning black man (cf. Bmsat 7367). Between these two and the cobbler a bearded jew holds up in both hands a paper inscribed 'for perjury & procuring jew voters'. Behind are the heads of the rest of the crowd; most wear election favours in their hats with the word 'hood'. 14 august 1788 hand-coloured etching. Date: 1788. Dimensions: Height: 245 mm; Width: 350 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood. Collection: British Museum. Election-troops, bringing in their accounts, to the pay table. (BM 1868,0808.5782)