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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/16
Former ReferenceD5459/1/181
TitleA Hew and Cry
Date[1808]
DescriptionBritannia cries into a handkerchief, on the floor are her shield and a piece of paper inscribed
'Condition of the Portugal Convention'. She says:
"O Woeful day for Britannia - but this is not the first time I have suffer'd by Scotchmen!!"
On the left is General Sir Hew Dalrymple (1750-1830), who asks:
"What the deel are you snivelling at lassie. Do you think a Frenchman shall beat a Scotsman in politeness?!" Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationThe convention referred to is the Convention of Cintra (Portugal) signed in 1808. The French General Junot was defeated byWellesley, later 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852) at Vimiero. Dalrymple and Wellesley negotiated the treaty, however the conditions were widely thought it to be unfavourable to England. Furthermore Dalrymple would not allow Wellesley to follow up his victory and chase Junot.
The Convention was signed on the 30 Aug 1808, and reached London on 15 Sep 1808.
The terms of the convention prompted an outcry in Britain, see, for example, Byron's lines on the treaty in 'Childe Harold':
'And ever since that martial synod met, Britannia sickens Cintra! At thy name,…
Petitions demanding an enquiry were submitted to the King, beginning with that of the City of London. An enquiry was held and all three acquitted, but only Wellesley was employed again.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 336 x 247 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/93/18 for a caricature of General Junot.
Image

A Hew and Cry

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