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Direct scan of object
THE EUROPEAN DILIGENCE.
Direct scan of object

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.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey Collection at Brown; Peel Collection at the Morgan Library, New York Historical Society (uncolored).