Arrival of the wretches!!! (BM 1948,0214.835)

The King's head, framed in wig and whiskers, appears above a huge green bag (see No. 13735) which he is holding up in both hands to shake out the contents, five ragamuffins, who fall out head first. Bag and King are supported by the bent backs of Castlereagh (left) and Sidmouth (right), the King's toe resting on a shoulder of each. The bag is inscribed in large letters: 'Respectable Witnesses for the [a large crown is depicted] against the Q—n.' It is labelled: 'To Dr Circular [see No. 13282], Ld Triangle [see No. 14135] & C° London.' The King says: "My hopes and prospects, depend, upon the very doubtful, veracity, of these Six Italians!" Castlereagh: "Friend Sid—we must make Barons of these six Italian Allies to make their evidence, appear stronger!" Sidmouth: "Ah! My worthy Colleague, and your Lordship knows, we must dress them up, at the Public expence, for at present, I never see, such Ragged Rascals!" On the ground by Castlereagh are a scourge, and a document: 'Bill of Pains and Penalties' [see No. 13825]; other papers: 'Secret Service Money £10.000 for each Witness' and 'Queen's Petition to the Lords'. In the background (left) are the masts and sails of a ship. Below the design: 'Dover, Friday, July 7, 1820. This Morning Six of the Italian Allies arrived. The good people of this town flocked to see them. They were escorted by an Austrian Agent, and a Milan Attorney. Such a set of ragged Rascals never were seen before. Such Wretches as go about with dancing dogs and monkeys, white mice, tame snakes, and land-turtles. The Magistrates got a guard of Constables to protect them, for fear the people should fling them into the sea. They were kept guarded till two coaches were brought to put them into. They were then driven off amidst the hisses, cries, and yells, of the men, women, and chrildren [sic], of this humane, loyal, and public-spirited Town. They seemed frightened out of their wits at this honest expression of the feelings of the People. Who is to Pay for bringing over, feeding, cloathing, and Rewarding these Wretches!!!'
12 July 1820

Hand-coloured lithograph