The city race (BM 1868,0808.9980)

Illustration to 'The City Race; or, a peripatetic Dialogue amongst the late Candidates for the Mayoralty, and the Sheriffs'. The five candidates race from r. to left. across an open space towards their goal, the Mansion House, part of the façade of which is in the background. The foremost is supported on crutches, inscribed 'Treasury'; he is William Nash elected through the support of the Ministry. He and the next three, Sawbridge, Townsend, and Hallifax are hurrying with outstretched arms. The last walks with folded arms, he is Sir Henry Bankes who was at the bottom of the poll with 36 votes. A sixth alderman has fallen to the ground, and lies face downwards, he is Brass Crosby the late Lord Mayor. Two dogs fight in the foreground (l.), one with his collar inscribed "Court" has the other by the throat. In the background (r.) a mob is being harangued by Parson Horne (see BMSat 4861, &c), who leans from an open window. The two sheriffs, Wilkes and Bull, are near with their staves. Bull attempts to restrain the mob; Wilkes turns his back on the disturbance holding the cap of liberty on his staff. 1 Nov. 1771
Etching