The life of William Cobbett, written by himself. 2d. plate

Gillray, James, 1756-1815 · September 29, 1809

This series of bitter satirical prints against the grand radical of the day are parodies on the autobiographical sketch in his own Register, published during this year. They need little further explanation than that given in the inscriptions beneath each plate, the second of which represents him flying from the embarrassments into which he had run himself at home, and enlisting for a soldier (Wright/Evans). / Cobbett, dressed as a farmer, but with a favour in his hat and his short hair tied back into a scraggy tail, marches stiffly behind a recruiting Serjeant who marches with drawn sword, preceded by a little drummer-boy beating a large drum, both of whom wear plumed bearskins, smart uniform, and boots. They march with pointed toe; Cobbet follows, out of step, and with clumsily upturned toe; on his back is a rough knapsack. They march towards the sea where boats are being rowed out to a ship in full sail (right). Behind Cobbett (left) are his plough and two oxen. The field is neatly furrowed. Behind is a rocky hill on which stands a gibbet with an empty noose (BM).