The Habeas Corpus, or The Wild Geese flying away with Fox to America.

DateAugust 27, 1782

Publisher J. Barrow

MediumSepia line engraving

DimensionsOH: 9 1/5" x OW: 13 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-104

DescriptionBirds, though less frequently employed as symbolic references in eighteenth-century satires, are here effectively used to present British leaders' views concerning peace negotiations at the close of the Revolution, along with the part Charles Fox was playing.

Just before this print was made, Fox had shared the position of secretary of state with William Shelburne. The two found themselves differing on the manner in which the agreement should be pursued: Shelburne favoring joint negotiations with America and France, and Fox advocating a separate treaty granting America immediate independence. When Shelburne became prime minister upon Lord Rockingham's sudden death in July 1782, Fox resigned his post.

Public opinion was fairly divided on the question; the designer of this print presents an anti-Fox viewpoint. A flock of geese connected by a ribbon, one end of which is attached to the rear leg of a fox, prepares to fly him over the ocean. Fox says, "I hope they will bear me safe to the dear Independent Congress." The birds represent those factions in English political life that wished him out of government affairs. Their position is best summed up by one of the geese who comments, "He is fitter to sit in Congress than in British Parliament.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: This was in the Halsey show at the New York Public Library, but did not go to Brown nor is it listed in the sale catalogue.