George Morland 



promptly taken for one of "Old Boney's " spies. In spite of 

 violent protests, Morland was dragged off with his companions along 

 the twelve-mile road to Newport. On a hot day, hooted all the 

 way by crowds who came out to see the traitors, and who, if they 

 were at all characteristic of their time, must have been forcibly 

 kept back from the throats of men who, as they readily believed, 

 had conspired to deliver this " tight little island " into the clutches of 

 the Corsican ogre. Formally examined before a magistrate at 

 Newport, the proof of their innocent purpose was obtained from 

 Mr. Lynn's friend, to whom Morland had carried an introduction, 

 and to whom he had sold many of his sketches. But although 

 acquitted of all crime, Morland and his friends were solemnly 

 warned by this learned justice of the peace " not to do it again," 

 and to make no more sketches of the coast. It is always well to 

 exercise one's authority ! 



It was in November, 1799, that George Morland returned to 

 London, unable to remain longer in exile. He took lodgings in 

 Vauxhall, but, like a criminal who after hiding from justice welcomes 

 arrest which puts an end to his nervous strain, the artist surrendered 

 to his creditors, and went to the King's Bench Prison. The game 

 was up, and having successfully baffled his enemies for years, he 

 acknowledged defeat at last. It was also an acknowledgment of 

 his physical and mental deterioration. He was growing tired. 



As, however, he had not yet lost his skill and could still earn 

 a considerable income, he was allowed the privilege of " the rules," 

 and permitted to live on licence in a furnished lodging in Lambeth 

 Road, St. George's Fields, where he was joined by Mrs. Morland, 

 her maidservant, and his brother, who had now set up as a picture- 

 dealer, and acted as George's agent. His industry was perhaps 

 more remarkable at this period of his life than at any other 

 time. 



" By his brother's books," says Dawe, " it appears that for him 

 alone he painted four hundred and ninety-two during the last eight 

 years of his life, notwithstanding frequent indisposition ; and 

 when it is considered that besides these he executed perhaps three 

 hundred more for other persons, the slightness of the greater part 

 of them will be easily accounted for. In addition to these, he 



42 



