These signatures were, doubtless, used with a satirical intention.

This engraving displays a stage, as if erected for an execution.  The above title is inscribed on a gallows, under which is James Lowry, with a rope about his neck, and in one hand a cudgel, inscribed “The Royal Oke Fore Mast,” see below; a label in his mouth is inscribed, “Lowry; the Laird of the Land; Sung by Sr.  W——­m.  Lawther.” At his feet rises the ghost of Hossack, saying, “You suffered justly, for Wipping me to Death.  K. Hossack.”

At one side stands Mr. William Henry Cranstoun, with a rope round his neck, and crossing his body like a riband of knighthood; in his pocket is “Powder to Clean Pebbels” in his mouth a label, “Jammy will save me.” Before him rises the ghost of Miss Mary Blandy, saying, “My Honour, Cra——­s ruin’d me.”  The ghost of her mother rising at the side of the platform, and wringing her hands in pain, replies, “Child he’s Married!” At Cranstoun’s feet is an advertisement of “Scotch Powder to cure the Itch.”

At the other side is Major James Macdonald, with a halter round his neck & crossing his body, as above; in his hand is a paper inscribed “S.  Sea Anuities D-am my School Master.” In his mouth is a label, bearing, “I have Escaped Hanging I own I’m a Highland Villain.”

In front is what is intended for a mock shield of Scotland.  The shield is perforated with holes for eyes and a mouth so as to represent a mask, and it is charged with a crowned thistle; the supporters are an ass’s head, plaided and wearing a Scotch bonnet, and a peacock.  Motto, “Impudent, Rebellious, Lazy and Proud.”

Beneath is engraved:—­

  “Proud Scot, Beggarly Scot, witness keen,
  Old England has made you all Gentlemen.”

James Lowry, who had commanded the “Molly” merchantman, was tried February 18, 1752, for the murder of Kenrich Hossack, by whipping him to death; after a trial of eight hours he was found guilty.  “The Royal Oak Foremast” was the name he gave to a stick used in his manner of enforcing naval discipline.  On the 25th of March he was hanged at Execution Dock, and his body was hung in chains at Blackball.  Other acts of cruelty involving the deaths of the victims were charged on him. (See The Gentleman’s Magazine, 1751, p. 234; 1752, pp. 89, 94, 140.)

The exclamation of Miss Blandy referring to Cranstoun is nearly the same as that uttered by the speaker, as deposed by Mrs. Lane, a witness at the trial, when she was arrested during a wandering flight between the death of her father and the returning of the verdict of “Wilfull Murder.”  The witness declared Miss Blandy said “The damned villain, Cranstoun!—­my honour to him will be my ruin,” etc.  The exclamation of the ghost of Mrs. Blandy refers to the fact that Cranstoun had been married in 1745, according to the Scotch process, to Anne, daughter of Sir David Murray, whom he repudiated two years after.  Cranstoun was brother of James, afterwards sixth Lord Cranstoun, probably the “Jammy” refered to in his speech as above quoted.