1785. [Sea Amusement], or Commanders-in-Chief of Cup and Ball on a Cruise.—It appears from this print, which in the coloured editions is judiciously tinted to make it resemble a drawing, that the inactivity of our commanders at sea was attracting popular censure. In the plate we find the admiral and his commodore, instead of sweeping the foes of Britain from the ocean, as was the desire of the entire nation, seated in the state-cabin, with a pile of gold-pieces on the ground, devoting their energies to gambling with a child's toy. Scattered around and trodden upon unheeded are plans of fortifications to be bombarded, the charts of oceans to be navigated, and rough draughts for the arrangement of the ships at the beginning of a sea-fight, such as we find Nelson drew up for the guidance of his captains before going into action on the eve of his glorious victories. An old salt, who is pouring out tea for these degenerate warriors, is regarding their puerile dispositions with an air of disgust and distress.
December 26, 1785. French Travelling, or the First Stage from Calais.
December 26, 1785. English Travelling, or the First Stage from Dover.
OPERA BOXES.
1785. (?) [Opera Boxes].