A New Method of MACARONY MAKING, as practised at BOSTON.

DateOctober 12, 1774

Publisher Carington Bowles (1724 - 1793)

MediumBlack and white mezzotint engraving with period hand color

DimensionsOH: 14 1/4" x OW: 10 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1960-127

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "A New Method of MACARONY MAKING, as practised at BOSTON./ For the Custom House Officers landing the Tea,/ They Tarr'd him, and Feather'd him, just as you see,/ And they drench'd him so well both behind and before,/ That he begg'd for God's sake they would drench him no more./ Printed for Carington Bowles, at his Map & Print Warehouse, N.o 69 in S.t Pauls Church Yard, London. Publish'd as the Act directs, Oct. 12.th 1774."
Label TextAlthough not directly involved in the Boston Tea Party, John Malcolm was in the unfortunate position of being stationed there as a British customs official. His determination to collect all of the newly imposed duties so angered the Bostonians that on January 24, 1774 they punished him. When the news of the event reached London it was greeted with hearty approval by the colonial sympathizers and inspired this satire that belongs to the set. Carington Bowles first published the work in a small size, but it was met with such success that it soon became available in the larger version. A folio edition was printed in 1775.

The print shows the tarring and feathering of John Malcolm. Once covered, he is lead to the gallows on the edge of town and forced to drink a prodigious quantity of tea. \The two men in charge of administering the punishment wear hats adorned with the Sons of Liberty symbols. Behind is a gallows with a broken rope, suggesting that the victim has already endured a partial hanging. the man with the teapot wears a large plain hat, the figure "45" written large on both the crown and the upturned brim. The other Bostonian holds a club over his left shoulder, and a large favor in his hat showing that he is one of the Sons of liberty. Both men look grinning at their victim; both wear striped breeches. Trees form the background of the right.
ProvenanceEx coll: H. Dunscombe Colt.