A funeral procession of politicians bearing the coffin of the 1765 Stamp Act to its tomb in the docks where American trade was carried out. Etching after B. Wilson, 1766.

  • Wilson, Benjamin, 1721-1788.
Date:
[1766]
Reference:
2475206i
  • Pictures

About this work

Description

"The repeal" of the 1765 Stamp Act in 1766 is represented as the funeral of a 1-year old infant called Miss Ame (i.e. Amy) Stamp. The stamp duty was a tax on American trade: it was strongly opposed by the elder Pitt. The funeral procession is led by Dr James Scott, author of 'Anti-Sejanus', from which he reads. He is followed by two lawyers who hold two flags decorated with stamps representing the Scottish thistle and the Stuart white rose. They are followed by George Grenville carrying a child's coffin inscribed 'Miss Ame=Stamp B.1765 died 1766'. Lord Bute follows in Scottish attire followed by an agitated Duke of Bedford who is restrained by a weeping Earl Temple. Lord Halifax and the Earl of Sandwich (who holds a paper inscribed 'A catch by Jemmy Twitcher') and two bishops bring up the rear. The warehouse buildings beyond are inscribed 'The Sheffield and Birmingham warehouse goods now ship'd for America.', 'Leeds', 'Halifax' and 'Manchester'. Right, a crated statue of William Pitt the elder is placed on board a ship bound for America

Publication/Creation

London (No. 69 in St Pauls Church Yard) : Printed for & sold by Carington Bowles, [1766]

Physical description

1 print : engraving ; image 21 x 33.3 cm

Lettering

The repeal or the funeral of Miss Ame-Stamp Bears number: 90 The inscription above the tomb reads: 'Within this family vault lie (it is to be hop'd never to rise again) the remains of hearth mon ship mon excise B Jew B Gen Warrans etc.' The pages of Scott's book read: 'Funeral sermon by anti-serjeant/Burial serv.' Two colossal skulls above the mausoleum are marked '1715' and '1745'

References note

Not in: British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, Vol IV, London 1978 (but related to no. 4140)

Reference

Wellcome Collection 2475206i

Type/Technique

Languages

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