print;
satirical print
- Museum number
- 1868,0808.4631
- Title
- Object: A new mode of settling the affairs of the nation, or trying the force of government powder
- Description
-
A representation of the duel in Hyde Park, 29 Nov. 1779, between William Adam, M.P. for Gatton, and Charles Fox. Adam (l.), in Highland dress but wearing spurred boots, takes deliberate aim, his pistol supported on his left. arm. Fox (r.) holds his pistol pointing upwards, his hat is in his left hand. He says, "I have a breast that like an ample Shield can take in all & verge enough for more". His second points at Adam. Adam's second stands behind him, in apparent unconcern, a number of pistols are stuck through his belt. At Adam's feet lie a broadside, "The Fox Hunter A New Song" and a letter addressed "For Mr Adam ... from North". On the letter has been added in faint water-colour, "Of the Fox bring me his Brush so doing .. .yr Wt" [this shall be your Warrant]. Between Fox and his second lies a paper, inscribed "yours &c. Eden". The background is an avenue of trees. 11 December 1779
Hand-coloured etching
- Production date
- 1779
- Dimensions
-
Height: 239 millimetres (publication line cut off)
-
Width: 327 millimetres
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- (Description and comment from M.Dorothy George, 'Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires in the British Museum', V, 1935)
The duel arose out of a remark in Fox's speech on the address which was resented by Adam, who demanded a public disavowal in the newspapers. It caused great political heat since it was represented as an attempt by a Scot and Ministerialist to get rid of Fox. Adam's second was Major Humberston, Col. Richard Fitzpatrick acted for Fox. See 'Ann. Reg.' 1779, p. 235, 1780, pp. 56, 152. Walpole, 'Letters', xi. 67-8, 72-4. Fox said Adam would have killed him had he used any but Government powder. Wraxall, 'Memoirs', 1884, ii. 221 n. See also BMSat 5625.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1868
- Department
- Prints and Drawings
- Registration number
- 1868,0808.4631
