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John Bull at his Studies Attended by his Guardian Angell, 13 March 1799

 Item — Box: LF104/4 Box 1
Reference code: LF104/4/7

Scope and Contents

John Bull, obese and gaitered, sits beside a table gaping at an enormous document, the bulky rolled end of which rests on the floor. He scratches his head, saying: "I have read many crabbed things in the course of my time - but this for an easy piece of Business is the toughest to understand I ever met with." Pitt (right), with wings and playing an Irish harp, leans towards him from clouds, saying: "Cease rude Boreas blustering railer, Trust your Fortunes care to me." The document is headed: 'Tax upon Income a Plain Short and easy description of the Different Clauses in the Income Tax so as to Render it familiar to the Meanest Capacity. Clause 1st, Clause 2d', &c, follow; the text is indicated only, except for the notes: 'NB for a further explanation see Clause 701'; 'NB this Clause will be better understood by reading clause 2053'; 'NB this clause has no connection with clause 9075'; 'see Clause 999'. On John's table (right) are bulky volumes: 'Journal', 'Day Book', and 'Ledger', with a paper: 'The sweet little Cherub that sits up aloft to keep watch for the Life [erased and replaced by] Purse of poor Jack.' Hand Coloured etching. Description from the British Museum.

Dates

  • Creation: 13 March 1799

Conditions Governing Access

Available by appointment in our Reading Room

Extent

1 Item(s)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections and Archives Repository

Contact:
Western Bank Library
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield South Yorkshire S10 2TN United Kingdom
+44 (0) 114 222 7299