Title:
A DECIDED FLING; or Rather an ungracious way of sending a man over the Water
Materials:
paper
Techniques:
lithograph
Production person:
Print made by John Doyle (HB)
Printed by: A Ducôte
Published by: Thomas McLean
Production place:
Published in London, 26 Haymarket
Date: 17 October 1839
Schools/Styles:
British satire
Description
No. 614. A man (Charles Poulett Thomson) falling off a horse with a man's face (Edward Ellice), over the head of the horse, into a stretch of water at left; the land on the opposite shore is lettered with 'Canada'.
Inscription Content: Series title and number at top right; initialled by artist; lettered below image with title, followed by 'or / Rather ungracious way of sending a man over the Water. Vide letter of Mr. E. Ellice.', and publication details: 'Published by T. Mc. Lean, 26, Haymarket, 17 October 1839. / A. Ducote's Lithy. 70, St. Martins Lane.'.
With eye-shaped blindstamp at bottom left, lettered with 'Subscribers copy' and HB's monogram at centre.
Text from 'An Illustrative Key to the Political Sketches of H.B.', London 1844:
The "ungracious" animal so vigorously propelling his late rider from his back is the Hon. Edward Ellice, so well known and so often exhibited in these sketches. The propelled is the late Lord Sydenham, then Mr. Poulett Thompson. At the date of this sketch, Mr. Poulett Thompson had not been appointed Governor General of
Canada, but was only talked of as the person to be selected for that high office, and the occasion of the present sketch was the appearance of the following letter in the 'Morning Chronicle':-
"To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle.
"SIR,
"I have seen with the utmost astonishment this morning in your paper of the 3rd inst., a statement that Mr. Poulett Thompson had accepted the Government of Canada at my earnest request.
"I desire you will contradict that statement on my behalf, from whatever quarter your information may have been derived.
"I am, &c.
"E. ELLICE."
"Invernesshire, Sept. 6, 1839."
The appointment was made, nevertheless, and Mr. Thompson was raised to the Peerage by the title of Lord Sydenham.
Associated names
Portrait of Charles Edward Poulett Thomson, Baron Sydenham
Representation of Rt Hon Edward Ellice