File:The blessings of peace (BM 1868,0822.7108).jpg

English: Kings, ministers, and politicians in conference on both sides of the Atlantic, their identities indicated by numbers referring to notes engraved below the design. On the extreme left, beyond a piece of water inscribed "Atlantic", a young girl dressed in feather head-dress and girdle, her name "America" inscribed over her head, sits between the kings of France (2) and Spain (3), giving a hand to each. Behind them, left, stands (1) "Dr Franklin", supporting himself on his stick, and placing a wreath on America's head. A dog, probably Holland, sits in front of this group, which is in the middle distance.

On the English side of the water the sun is setting (right) behind a hill, its rays are inscribed "England's Sun Setting". In the distance groups of sailors and others are fighting with bludgeons; a soldier fires at an unarmed man who is running away. This probably represents the mutiny among the sailors at Portsmouth in March 1783 which was put down by Lord Howe. 'Ann. Reg.', 1783, p. 199; Walpole, 'Last Journals', 1910, ii. 498.
A group of standing figures fills the foreground of the design. In the centre is the king (9, "The------"); he holds out both hands, saying, "my Lords and Gentlemen, what should I do". He wears one top-boot, the other lies on the ground in front of him. This is an allusion to the supposed influence of Lord Bute. The boot had been the subject of innumerable satires early in the reign. See, e.g., BMSat 3860. On each side of him is a judge: (8), "Lord Thurlow", in profile to the right, says "Follow the Voice of the People". (This was not the general interpretation of Thurlow's advice to the king.) (10), "Lord Mansfield", in profile to the left, to whom the king turns, says, "Fallo your own Inclanation Ye can do no wrong". He wears a judge's wig and bands, with a kilt and tartan socks. On the left stand four persons addressing the king. (4), "Charles Fox", stamping and gesticulating violently, fists clenched, right arm raised, says, "Keep Peace on any Terms". (5), "D. of Richmond", says "I have made 10,000 Saving in Sand Bags & Wheel Barrows". (He was Master of the Ordnance under Rockingham and Shelburne, and prided himself on his energy in introducing economies. Cf. Walpole, 'Last Journals', ii. 450.) (6), "Ld Shelburne", stands behind the group with a complacent air, saying, "I found ye in a Ruinous State and will quito you so". (7), "Edmund Burke", stands foremost of this group, addressing the king with outstretched forefinger, saying "nothing but deminishing your Expences and discarding old Servants, Will Save this Kingdom"; in his left hand he holds a book, "B------k on Œconomy". This illustrates the unpopularity which followed the execution of Burke's scheme of economical reform, more especially since it was accompanied by pensions to Barré and Dunning. Walpole, 'Last Journals', 1910, ii. 456-7.
The foremost of the group to the right of the king is (12) "Lord North", in profile to the left saying, "I thought to have had America at our Feet, but I see tis Otherwise". Behind him stands (14) "Lord Nugent", bending forward, his hat under his arm, saying "Give the Old Rat of the Constitution leave to offer a few words." (See BMSat 6059, 6255.) (11), "Mr Sheridan", turns towards (13) "Mr Pitt", who looks like a boy; he is saying, "The next play I write, intend giving you a place in the Character of the Angry School Boy". (The allusion is to a speech on 17 Feb. in answer to one by Pitt attacking Sheridan for theatricality; Sheridan said, "if ever I again engage in the compositions he alludes to, I may be tempted to an act of presumption, to attempt an improvement on one of Ben Jonson's best Characters - the character of the Angry Boy in the Alchymist". 'Parl. Hist', xxiii. 491.) (15), "Lord Keppel", turning his head in profile to the right says, "If the French had Stay'd till I drub'd them, this Bustle never would have happend", an ironical allusion to the Battle of Ushant, cf. BMSat 5570, 5992, &c, and to the recent naval mutiny. (16), "Lord Ashburton" (Dunning) answers, "Hem, Hem, aye my lord the 27th of July 1778, might have done you Immortal Honor." (Dunning was known as 'Orator Hum', see BMSat 6091.) In the distance, but in front of the distant fighting, is a group of figures on a small scale: (17), "Lord Amherst" addresses old soldiers with wooden legs, crutches, &c, saying "Gentlemen we have no further occasion for you."
In the sky, riding on a broom-stick, is a witch in a cloak and steeple-crowned hat, behind her are black clouds, across which streams a label coming from beneath her petticoats, inscribed "Peace------Peace------ P---E---A---C". In the foreground (left) a thistle is growing, to signify the baleful influence of Scottish advisers. Beneath the design is engraved, "Alas poor Country, almost afraid to know itself - Macbeth." 16 April 1783

Hand-coloured etching