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Amusement for John Bull & his Cousin Paddy, or, the Gambols of the American Buffalo, in S.t James's Street.
Direct scan of object

Amusement for John Bull & his Cousin Paddy, or, the Gambols of the American Buffalo, in S.t James's Street.

DateMay 1, 1783
Publisher John Fielding
OriginEngland, London
MediumLine engraving on laid paper.
DimensionsOverall: 4 1/2 × 8in. (11.4 × 20.3cm) Other (Plate): 3 1/2 × 5 15/16in. (8.9 × 15.1cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1960-112
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "Published 1.st May 1783, by I. Fielding, Pater-noster Row."

This amusing and somewhat unusual satire was designed for one of London's newer publications, the "European Magazine." It comments on certain similarities in the America and Irish rebellions, which in 1783 were being resolved. England did not have sufficient troops to suppress the conflicts in both countries, so those in Ireland were withdrawn and sent to America. Local Irish forces were organized, but they would pledge alliance only to George III and not to the government leaders. In 1783, the British government agreed to loosen its hold on Ireland and grant it more freedom to act in its own right, just as it was forced to do by the American colonies. The maker has been far less precise in individual characterizations in this print than was usual for the period, but the message conveyed is unmistakable.

The American buffalo has charged through St. James's Street, throwing vendor and wares to the ground. Leaders of the newly formed coalition government are left in turmoil as they fight to retrieve the scattered loaves and fishes symbolizing new government policies no more popular with the Americans and Irish than previous ones. Although restrained by Edward Thurlow, a judge forced out of office by Fox but now obviously courting favor, the buffalo appears ready to charge again. George III, an expression of amusement on his face, watches the scene from a window overhead.

In a departure from the usual structure of satires, one of the main figures, Ireland, is not actually depicted. As the title suggests, however, Cousin Paddy should share John Bull's amusement in seeing policies destructive to the nation's well being overthrown.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt. Other known copies: Halsey Collection at Brown; Peel Collection at the Morgan Library; New York Historical Society collection.