Weekly drawing 63: Alcohol fuelled Australia Day, 1808

The Rum Rebellion come for Bligh

This drawing is based on one of Australia's earliest cartoons. The Overthrow of Governor Bligh 1808 a water colour by an unknown artist. I get the feeling it was commissioned by William Bligh's rival John Macarthur. A clever piece of propaganda, depicting Bligh as a coward hiding under his own bed.

The original cartoon neglected to depict the soldiers in their alcohol fuelled state. I think if a bunch of armed and angry drunks charged into my house, I'd hide too.

Reference book: Cartoons of Australian History
by Peter Coleman and Les Tanner. Published by Neslon 1967