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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/21
Former ReferenceD5459/1/173
TitleNaughty Boys giving in their Resignations
Date[1809]
DescriptionCanning on the left and Castlereagh on the right, bow to the King in the centre, while handing in their resignations.
George III protests:
"What, what, going to shoot one another. I am a plain Country Gentleman and don't approve of it, if you must shoot go and shoot Buonaparte."
Canning replies:"But when my honor is considered", while Castlereagh laments: "That it should come to this!! Farewell ye bed of roses". Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationGeorge Canning (1770-1827) had demanded Viscount Castlereagh's (1769-1822) removal from the War Office in April 1809, believing that the War Office under Castlereagh was inefficiently prosecuting the war. He told Portland that he would resign otherwise. Portland agreed but said nothing. Castlereagh found out about this after the Walcheren expedition and challenged Canning to a duel. Castlereagh resigned on 9 Sep 1809, and Canning shortly afterwards. They fought the duel on 21 Sep 1809 on Putney Heath. They both missed their first shot. Canning then managed to hit the button of Castlereagh's coat and was injured himself in the thigh.

Castlereagh had used the term 'bed of roses' in a speech in 1806 to describe the benefits of office.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 337 x 252 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialSee D5459/1/93/10 for another depiction of Canning.
See D5459/1/93/13 etc for more on Castlereagh.
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Naughty Boys giving in their Resignations

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