The English Lion let loose, or Vernon Triumphant (BM 1868,0808.3668)

A celebration of Vernon's campaign in the Caribbean in spite of lack of ministerial support, in nine compartments linked by a rococo framework with explanatory verses. At top centre, a portrait of the admiral with winged putti holding palms and a laurel wreath. At top left, Vernon "receives his commission", kneeling before George II who says, "Full power to redress my people"; Vernon replies, "I'll hazard my life in the Cause" while, behind the king, Robert Walpole remarks "If he's in earnest I'm undone"; courtiers comment on Vernon's integrity, one of them noting "Then he has no business at C[ourt]". At top right, Vernon "Takes leave of his family" bidding a fond farewell to his wife while his two sons boast of their father's prowess looking at a plan of Portobello which he claimed he would be able to take with six ships; a maid packs boxes with books and naval instruments; through an open door a ship is seen flying the Union Jack. At centre left, "Portobello" Vernon's ships are shown firing on the town; in the middle, he "Lands at Jamaica", greeted by the governor, Edward Trelawney, and merchants who rejoice that he has restored their trade and offer to lend him "some land forces" being "more than he can get from home"; on the right, "Fort Chagre" is bombarded by Vernon's ships. At the bottom two views of Vernon's ships bombarded by the Spanish at "Boca Chica" and "Cartagena" on either side of Vernon's coat of arms, surmounting a head of Neptune; a fierce British lion emerges from beind the coat of arms to attack the Spanish, a ribbon from his mouth letterd with verses beginning "Behold I'm loose ..."; a Spaniard in 17th-century dress and a Frenchman stand below expressing their extreme fear. 13 August 1741
Etching and engraving