Who was Lord Tilbury?
Where is the borough of Garrett? does it still exist?
Some
[Likeness of Tilbury shown as a monkey-like boyish Jester]
"To the Independent Electors for the Borough of Garrett
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
I am not come forth to shew myself, as a candidate for this noble and ancient Borough of Garrett. Being Grand Uncle to Sir Jeffrey Dunstan, your late worthy Member, own Brother to his Dutchess [sic], Brother to Miss Nancy, and own Uncle to my Lord Thompson. I have every reason to believe that you have all heard that I was an enemy to the tax on gin, and am zealous to have a reform in Parliament, and to have a peace, it is ever so dishonourable.
Whatever Mr. Harper or Mr. Shineall have to say will avail nothing, for every one knowns the Green Grocer's principles, they are for himself. But I am for the community at large, and not to be baffled by any party; for it is the duty of every member to exert himself for the freedom of taxation, and to down with the price of gin, bread, and meat; that we may have a quartern [sic] loaf, a pot of porter, and a pound of cheese, for one shilling.
SWINE-HOUSE SQUARE, JUNE 1796.
TILBURY.
* * *
AIR -- A-begging we will go
Electors of fam'd Garrett, attend to freedom's call
Lord Tilbury he is the man, I'm sure, to serve you all.
CHORUS
And for Tilbury let's vote, let's vote, let's vote
So for Tilbury brave let us vote.
Descended from the ancient house of Dunstan's noble name
Own brother to Miss Nancy, that young lady of great fame
His fortune it is very large, 'tis a numerous stock of wigs
His taste is fine, he herds with swine and snores each night with the pigs
He swears that gin it shall come down to what it was before
And if you want a pot of stout, have liberty to score
Pitt, Fox, and Sheridan, were taught in learned schools
But Lord Tilbury can tip them both, to him they are but fools
For bakers and cornfactors, he hates the knavish crew
And the quartern loaf for sixpence, doth ever keep in view
In Parliament he's for reform, if that it can be had
And would patch up peace, at any rate, let the terms be good or bad
For like his brother Patriots, he's got nothing for to lose
And for England's fame or glory, to be careless, cannot chuse.
So vote away without delay, Lord Tilbury on you waits
And promises great things, like all other candidates
[Satirical Anti-Tilbury song. From 1796. A new Patriot Song, in Favour of Lord Tilbury.]