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The Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
On November 5, 1792, in London, a crowd paraded and publicly burned an effigy of the Duke of Brunswick on Kensington Common, protesting his invasion of France and symbolizing support for liberty and equality amid the French Revolution.
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NEW YORK. January 12
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in London, to his friend in this city, dated Nov. 6.
"Yesterday being the 5th November, an effigy to represent the Duke of Brunswick, dressed exceedingly rich, was carried in the presence of innumerable spectators, through the Borough, to be executed on Kensington Common. Adjoining the star on his breast, was printed in large capital letters, no MANIFESTOS; and on a board which was carried before him, was painted UNIVERSAL LIBERTY, and NO DESPOTISM. When they arrived at the gallows, the following proclamation was made before his execution took place.
"OYES, OYES, OYES,
"Fellow Citizens,
The Duke of Brunswick having attempted to enslave France in open violation of the eternal Rights of Man, and laws of Humanity and Justice; it has been determined to make a public example of him, as well to prevent noble blunders in future, as to convince mankind at large of the supreme dignity of their nature, and the united force of courage and virtue. The Duke entered France under the mistaken idea, that the French people were dastardly enough to bend to the nod of princes; but as his confidence and resources lay in his pride rather than in his capacity, he withdrew, covered with SHAME, CONFUSION and DISHONOR, after having committed crimes and blunders that have deservedly bro't upon him the RIDICULE and CONTEMPT of all Europe. He has had a fair and impartial trial, he is now to ATONE for his rash temerity. His case will prove that men possess masculine minds, and that at the close of the 18th century, when enlightened by science and reflection, they will not be supported with, nor suffer tyrants of any kind to escape with impunity!
"Given at Kensington Common this 5th day of November, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-two, in the name of LIBERTY, EQUALITY and the RIGHTS OF MAN."
He was then executed in due form, and after hanging the usual time, was set fire to and consumed to ashes, together with his gallows, amidst the shouts and acclamations of an immense concourse of spectators who immediately after dispersed, & retired to their respective homes, in the utmost tranquillity and good order."
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Foreign News Details
Primary Location
London
Event Date
November 5, 1792
Key Persons
Outcome
effigy executed, hanged, and burned to ashes; crowd dispersed peacefully without incident.
Event Details
An effigy of the Duke of Brunswick, dressed richly with protest symbols, was paraded through the Borough to Kensington Common before an immense crowd. A proclamation accused him of attempting to enslave France, violating rights of man, and withdrawing in shame after blunders. The effigy was hanged, burned, and consumed amid shouts, with spectators dispersing in good order.