Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

R Pritchett

Subjects:

Cruelty, Animal Husbandry, Politics, Government, Crime, Morality

    The initial letter forms part of an illustration showing a herd of oxen streaming past a tree, one of the oxen attempting to fell the tree. Hanging on the tree's trunk and branches are three frightened young boys. The writer laments the brutal conditions suffered by cattle on being transported from Rotterdam, condemning the fact that cattle are 'bullied', catch diseases 'by cramming', and are 'goaded and hounded on to the shore'. Calls on the clerk of the Privy Council, Arthur Helps, to ensure that those who issue these 'brutal commands' are punished. Hopes to see the end of cattle being beaten and to see 'gentle smiles' irradiating the 'shepherd's countenance as he drives his lambkins to the new emporium'. He also wishes to see drovers using gentler language as they drive their charges through the streets.