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Direct scan of object
THE TOMB=STONE.
Direct scan of object

THE TOMB=STONE.

DateFebruary 1765
OriginEngland, London
MediumBlack and white line engraving
DimensionsOH: 11" x OW: 17 1/4".
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-35
DescriptionEngraved on the tomb-stone is: "Here lieth the Body of/ William Duke of Cumberland &c/ lamented by his Country, which he twice Sav'd./ First by overcoming the joint forces of France and S__d [Scotland],/ at the Battle of CULLODEN; and after by selecting a MINISTRY,/ out of those virtuous few, who gloriously withstood GENERAL WARRANTS,/ AMERICAN STAMPS, EXTENSION OF EXCISE.___&c.&c.&c./ Printed for M.r Smith and Sold at the Woolpack in Long Acre, near Drury Lane, London."

The inscription on the tomb explains that William, Duke of Cumberland, is buried within. His untimely death is greatly mourned by many who had supported his selection of a ministry opposed to the American Stamp Act and further excise taxes. Decorating the base of the vault are busts of Britannia and America weeping at his unfortunate fate.
In contrast, dancing jubilantly on top of the tomb encouraged by the Devil and clerics are his foes, protaxation political leaders, including George Granville, Lord Bute, Lord Temple, the Earl of Sandwich, and the Duke of Bedford. A small dog in clerical garb is added to the group. He is labeled "Anti-Sejanus" to represent the Reverend W. Scott, author of a political tract of that title strongly opposing any repeal of the act. From the pockets of each figure protrude papers inscribed with past acts and plans for future levies.
ProvenanceEx collection: H. Dunscombe Colt.