The interior of a punch-house. In an alcove or bar (right), behind a counter, stand North and Fox mixing punch. Over the alcove is inscribed "Pro bono Publico | The Coalition Punch-house by Charles &amp; Co." North (left) holds a kettle in his right hand, in his left a ladle with which he mixes the contents of the bowl. He says, "Gentlemen I can supply you with accid having had 6 or 7 years constant practice in making of it for 3 kingdoms &amp; 13 provinces". Fox (right), his right hand resting on a wine-bottle, his left outstretched, says "Gentlemen tho' I have enlarged my connections I can still serve you with good Liquor &amp; give you Good Words as usual &amp; if that wont please you may go &amp; be Dm---d". Each has an expression of anxiety mixed with defiance, anxiety the more prominent in North, defiance in Fox.
<p><br>The guests sit on low benches in front of narrow tables, their backs to the punch-makers. Immediately in front of the bar sits a stout man in a bob-wig holding up his bowl and saying, "Coalition Punch do you call it? Phow! tis nauseous as Salts or Jalap". Next him (right) is a tall, thin military officer, wearing a cockaded hat and epaulettes and holding a tasselled cane. He holds a bowl in his left hand, saying, "Aye Friend they that drink it must take it down at a Gulph". Three men sit at a table on the left: a roistering buck wearing the fashionable riding-dress of the day, a favour in his hat, stands up, legs astride, holding out a bowl in his right hand, the contents spilling, he says, "Right sort Charley Damme!" Next him a man with a melancholy expression leans his elbows on the table, supporting his head in his hands and saying "You may say poisonous indeed for it has thrown the whole Nation in a fermentation &amp; by the addition of that cursed C° he will loose all his good old Customers". Next him, and on the extreme left, a trim-looking citizen smoking a long pipe, his bowl on the table, says "When Charles was on his own bottom, he sold wholesome tipple, but now C° is added to his name we get a poisonous Compound."  18 June 1783
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<br>Etching
1783<div style="display: none;">date QS:P571,+1783-00-00T00:00:00Z/9</div>
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