THE HEAD OF THE POLL; OR, THE WIMBLEDON SHOWMAN AND HIS PUPPET. 1807. TOOKE AND BURDETT.
The support and assistance afforded by the author of the “Diversions of Purley” to his pupil are further indicated in a caricature which represented the “Brentford Parson” carrying the candidate at the end of his pole, and, as in the former example, exhibiting Burdett to the crowd assembled in Covent Garden, under the title of “The Head of the Poll; or, the Wimbledon Showman and his Puppet.” Horne Tooke is advertising “The finest puppet in the world, gentlemen; entirely of my own formation. I have only to say the word, and he’ll do anything.”
Another view of a hustings is afforded by the caricaturist. From the platform a select few of superannuated statesmen are addressing the constituents, in this instance pictured as calves. This version, which is by Gillray, represents a phase of the “Patriotic Petitions on the Convention” (of Cintra); “The Chelmsford Petition,” with Patriots addressing the Essex Calves—who, it is notified, are “To be sold to the highest bidder.” Lord Temple is unfolding the Essex Petition—“Horrid Convention! Ministers firing the Park guns; Armistice in French lingoes!” Earl St. Vincent is appealing to the electors, and declaring that all the misfortunes are due to the want of him; the gouty veteran is supported by the Marquis of Buckingham, who is asserting “It’s all for want of us, Gentlemen Calves!” sentiments which the other occupants of the platform, Windham and Lord Henry Petty, are applauding.
| Marquis of Buckingham. | Lord Temple. |
| Lord H. Petty. | Earl St. Vincent. |
THE CHELMSFORD PETITION: PATRIOTS ADDRESSING THE ESSEX CALVES.
CHAPTER XII.
ELECTIONEERING CARTOONS AND SQUIBS, 1807-20.
It was the “royal” Duke of Norfolk, who, on the appeal to the country which followed the downfall of Lord Granville’s Ministry of “all the Talents,” declared in the true spirit of the old political grandees, “After all, what greater enjoyment can there be in life than to stand a contested election for Yorkshire, and to win it by one?” The harder and more costly the fight, the better the fun, and the more relishable the victory which stirred the blood of the Howards.