THE EUROPEAN DILIGENCE.

DateOctober 5, 1779

Publisher William Humphrey

MediumBlack and white line engraving with etching and period hand color

DimensionsOH: 7 3/4" x OW: 10 1/4"; Plate H: 7" x W: 9 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-72

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "THE EUROPEAN DILIGENCE./ sold by W. Humphrey N.o 227 Strand"

This satire by an unknown maker was issued in late 1779 by William Humphrey, a prolific publisher of anti-government works. A Dutchman is depicted pushing a wheelbarrow occupied by representatives of nations opposing British policies over a prostrate Britannia. A Frenchman stabs at her, encouraged by Indian Princess America, and a Spaniard urges silent Portuguese to join the alliance. Britannia protests the aid given the colonies by these countries. A reference to the Dutch Island of St. Eustatius, a trade center used to supply arms to the colonies, is on the side of the wheelbarrow.

Another European country is being drawn into the conflict. Russia, depicted as a large burly soldier with musket outstretched, is shown defending England, a situation devoutly desired by the government. Shortly after this work was published, however, Russia issued a declaration of neutrality.ProvenanceBefore 1960, H. Dunscombe Colt [1901-1973] (New York, NY); before 1960, purchased by the Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1960-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).