Intended bonne farte raising a southerly wind., Isaac Cruikshank, 1798

The straits of dover: bonaparte (left) stands on the one side, stooping down with bared posteriors, from which fly through the air balloons, parachutes, infantry, cavalry, artillery, tents, and wagons. A tiny guillotine is towed and pushed towards england. The sky is sprinkled with these invaders, the largest object being a balloon whose basket bristles with tiny guns; from this an anchor hangs on a rope. Bonaparte stoops down, his hands on his knees, while an officer stands beside him feeding him with a spoon with 'parched peas' from the former's large cocked hat, which is on the ground, the crown filled with peas. Bonaparte says: "oh berthier - berthier - i can't go through with it i fear. " berthier answers: "that's your sort my boy. The directory will give us imortal honer for this, its a new way of raising the wind. \ come a few more they are nice and hot. " in the sea a giant raft with one sail makes for england; guns project from its sides, and troops are indicated by flags and bayonets. On the english coast are cliffs. A huge sea monster has reached the shore and soldiers are landing from its open jaws. An english jacobin wearing a bonnet-rouge embraces the leader, who steps ashore; he says: "my dear monge you'r right welcom you have had a dreadful voyage". Men with fixed bayonets follow monge. On the cliff immediately above the monster stand sheridan and fox, welcoming the aerial army; horne tooke sits at their feet; they say: "how fragrant is this southern breeze". Lauderdale, very small, wearing highland dress, stands beside fox, saying: "hoot mon this reminds me of sweet edinburgh. " beneath the title: 'or a sketch of the intended invincible invasion found at the door of brooks's in st james's street' [cf. Bmsat 8826]. 20 february 1798 [or 10 february 1798] hand-coloured etching. Date: 1798. Dimensions: Height: 275 mm; Width: 390 mm. Medium: paper. Depicted People: Louis Alexandre Berthier, Prince of Neuchâtel. Collection: British Museum. Intended bonne farte raising a southerly wind. (BM 1868,0808.6698)