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Archive Reference / Library Class No.D5459/1/93/8
Former ReferenceD5459/1/168
TitleThe Return
Date[1806]
DescriptionA scene of Scottish celebration. Henry Dundas stands on a balcony on the left, before a banner proclaiming 'Honorably Acquitted', wearing a cockade which reds Not Guilty. He shouts: "Now - Wha' Wants Me", to the crowd below. They are drinking, dancing and feasting.
One sings: "When Johnny comes marching home again Tol - Lol". Another cries: "I knew he was nae guilty". A man standing next to a barrel marked 'Intire Butt', says: "Did you ever know a Scotsman do any thing wrong - except staying at home in the north without trying his fortune in the south".
A man seated at a table lifts his glass and toasts: "May Scotland always prefer oatcake and whisky to White bread and porter ". Another toasts: "Here's confusion to all Brewers of Mischief". Available on CD 158.
LevelItem
RepositoryDerbyshire Record Office
ArtistWoodward, George Murgatroyd (?1765-1809)
Archive CreatorGeorge Murgatroyd Woodward (1765-1809), artist and writer
Further InformationThe drawing refers to the acquittal of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville (1742-1811), in his trial for impeachment.
(See D5459/1/93/4 for the initial stages of the Naval Enquiry).

After his resignation Melville was removed from the Privy Council, and an attempt was made by Samuel Whitbread to implicate William Pitt, concerning a loan of £40k of naval funds. A vote to impeach Melville was passed on the 26 Jun 1805. He was impeached in 1806, and acquitted on all ten charges.

Dundas had been made First Lord of the Admiralty in 1804 and was know for his patronage of other Scots. The cry of 'Wha wants me' was that of an Edinburgh character, first applied to Dundas in 1792. The reference to Whitbread and the brewer are clear.
Physical DescriptionPencil drawing with text in ink. Size 385 x 297 mm.
CopiesA digital copy can also be viewed on the public computers at the record office.
Related MaterialFor depictions of Dundas see D5459/1/93/1 etc.
For drawings relating to the Naval Enquiry see D5459/1/93/4 etc.
Image

The Return

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