A band of militiamen in uniform marching in a disorderly manner, headed by a drummer. Etching by M. Darly, 1777, after E. Topham.

  • Topham, Edward, 1751-1820.
Date:
April 10 1777
Reference:
31734i
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Description

"Seven members of the City Militia, much caricatured, march (left to right) in profile. First, the drummer, short and enormously stout, beating his drum; next a lean and stooping officer looking on the ground, his drawn sword in his left hand. Then come two pairs of men carrying, at different angles, muskets with bayonets; they wear military uniform and gaiters, but are shambling along in a very unsoldierly manner. Last comes a hunchback, holding a spear in his left hand and marching with vigour. Two birds fly over their heads."--British Museum, loc. cit.

Publication/Creation

London (39 Strand) : M Darly, April 10 1777.

Physical description

1 print : etching, with tone work ; platemark 25 x 35.1 cm

Lettering

A march of the train bands. MD. E. Topham del.

Creator/production credits

"In 1777 [Edward Topham] ... purchased an army commission, as cornet in the King's 2nd Horse Guards, of which regiment he served for about seven years as adjutant. Having earned the gratitude of George III for his efficiency in bringing his soldiers up to scratch, he was caricatured in print shops as 'the tip-top adjutant'. ... On his retirement Topham acquired the rank of major." (Oxford dictionary of national biography, s.v. Topham)

References note

British Museum, Catalogue of political and personal satires, no. 5438

Reference

Wellcome Collection 31734i

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