The deplorable state of America, or, Sc---h government [graphic].[2 January 1766]eng"Satire on the Stamp Tax of 1765 showing Britannia presenting "Pandoras Box" (the tax) to America (represented by a native American) who appeals to Minerva; the goodess advises "Take it not" pointing to Liberty prostrate on the ground and attacked by a snake and a thistle. Mercury (standing for Trade) turns to America saying, "It is with Reluctance I leave ye" as he moves towards the king of France who, in turn, offers a purse of money to an irradiated boot (Lord Bute). Above a zephyr blows forcefully towards the tree of Liberty beside which stands a man saying "Heaven grant it may stand" beside whom a crown and sceptre lie on the ground. In the background, sailors stand on a shore beside three ships one with a broom at its masthead indicating that it is for sale; one points towards a gibbet labelled, "Fit Entertainment for St[am]p M[e]n"; a group of men beside the gibbet, identified by Stephens as Stamp Men or excisemen, complain, "We shall all Starve", "By G[o]d I'll rob first!, "Ay, ay, necessity has no Law"."--British Museum online catalogueTitle etched above image.Publication date from The gazetteer and new daily advertiser. See British Museum catalogue.Sheet trimmed within plate mark.In lower right corner: Price 6d.Temporary local subject terms: Personifications: America as a native man -- Liberty -- Loyalty -- Mythology -- Pandora's box -- Acts: Stamp Act, 1765 -- Emblems: Caduceus; cap of liberty; thistle as Scotch influence; serpent as treachery; boot as Lord Bute -- Emblems: Boreas as Lord North -- Liberty Tree -- Mercury as commerce -- Ships for sale, with broom at the mast-head -- Purse with money.Mounted to 22 x 37 cm.