Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

J T, pseud.  [John Tenniel] *

Subjects:

Politics, Crime, Medical Practitioners

    A reference to the prosecution of the Fenian soldier Ricard O'Sullivan Burke who, owing to public pressure, was sent to a penal colony rather than being hanged. The illustration shows Dr Bull standing outside the gates of the prison, whilst talking to the allegorical figure of Ireland, Hibernia. On the left, the prisoner in chains (Burke) stands by a guarded prison door, awaiting the decision of Dr Bull, who tells Hibernia that he will not adopt her suggestion of beheading the prisoner but will 'just crop him, and shave him, and take good care that he does no more mischief'.