1 pp 1809
George III stands on a low rectangular platform placed upon a boarded floor and is approached from all sides by applicants for office. He is in back view, but turns his head in profile to the left, to inspect a group through his spy-glass. In the front row (left), bowing low, are three Grenvilles, the Broad-Bottoms par excellence: Grenville holds a gold-laced coachman's hat and long whip. In bowing he has split his tight breeches. His nephew Temple is next him, then the spectacled Buckingham. Close behind is the emaciated Sidmouth, hat in hand and holding out a bottle labeled Cathartic. Next him and nearer the spectator stands Whitbread, dressed as a porter, and mopping his head. His porter's knot is on the ground, inscribed: Saml Froth his Knot--Carries any Weight in any Weather. He supports against his knees a huge rectangular pile of Motions to be brought in the House of Commons. Behind him and on the extreme left Lord Henry Petty capers to a dancing-master's kit which he plays with his fingers. Behind Petty and Whitbread are two men dressed as chairmen with straps across the shoulder: one is Grattan; the other (?) Ponsonby. Behind these and in the doorway (left) is a group of three: Cobbett, holding up his hat and a sheaf of Cobbett Political Register. Townsend, the Bow Street officer, holding up his constable's staff, faces the group. From the back of his head a label floats towards the Grenvilles. All these are on the King's left hand. At right angles to them, and facing the King, though farther from him, Moira, in regimentals, stands between Erskine (right) and Windham (left) (they represent the Carlton House interest). The King's own servants stand facing him, one behind the other, on the platform. A greyhound with the head of Grey, but with a curious beak or snout projecting from his profile, fawns on Portland, who is next the King. Behind Portland stands Perceval, wearing his Chancellor of the Exchequer's gown. He puts up a hand to ward off Tierney who bows humbly. Behind Perceval stands (?) Camden. Sheridan, who is behind Tierney, looks up to three Ministers seated pen in hand in a small gallery (right) in which money-bags are ranged. These are the three Secretaries of State (left to right): Castlereagh, Canning, Liverpool. He addresses Canning, his old friend. He seems to speak also for the Duke of Norfolk. The Duke of Bedford, as a yokel in a smock, holding a pitchfork, bows low. Behind him is Lord St. Vincent in naval uniform, with an expression of senile envy. In his pocket is a Scheme for Crimping. Behind him Lord Spencer, dressed as a watchman, with a staff and lantern, and with a sleeve-badge: an Old State Watchman., stands with bent back and closed eye. Behind him is the Duke of Norfolk looking at the King with senile melancholy (BM).
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