The Tree of Liberty (cf. BMSat 9214), often (in fact) a pole surmounted by a bonnet-rouge, is here a pike on which is the bleeding head of Fox, the eyes covered by a cap inscribed 'Libertas'. Round the base of the pike and on a grassy mound are heaped the heads of the Foxites. The six heads at the base of the pile are (left to right): Thelwall, a little apart from the others; beside him is a paper: 'Lectures upon the Fall of the Republic by J. Thelwall' (see BMSat 8685); against his head lies the blade of a headsman's axe; Derby (in 'profil perdu'), Lauderdale, Stanhope, M. A. Taylor, and Hanger. The two central heads are Erskine and Sheridan; next the latter is Horne Tooke. Behind, and forming the apex of the pile, are the head of (?) Grey [Incorrectly identified in Wright and Evans as Wilkes. It is possible that the head here identified as Grey is Byng, and that identified as Bedford is Grey.] in profile to the left and the handsome head of (?) Bedford. In the background are clouds, and below (right) the top of a hill. The title continues: 'this is the "Something which must be done \ "and that quickly too! to save the Country from destruction - Vide Sentiments [toasts] of Whig Club Feby 14th 1797 - ' Cf. BMSat 8996. 16 February 1797
<br>Hand-coloured etching
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<p>Print made by: James Gillray
</p>
<dl><dd>Published by: Hannah Humphrey</dd></dl></div>
1797<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1797-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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