Tyrant Transmuted

AMERICAN NOTES

Apparently all things will have their uses in this war, even a statue of scepter-wielding, toga-robed King George III. The 2-ton equestrian figure of gold-leafed lead was installed at New York's Bowling Green just six years ago to symbolize a "deep sense of the eminent and singular benefits received from him." This week, after the Declaration of Independence was officially read to the populace on the Common in the presence of General George Washington, a huge crowd surged down Broad Way to wreak vengeance on the statue. Having drunk plenty of rum and ale, the crowd first pulled the royal horse from its pedestal, then hacked off the King's head, fired a musket shot into it, pounded away the nose and pried off the laurel wreath. With fife and drums playing The Rogue's March, the crowd carried off the mangled head, which eventually disappeared. The carcass is to be cut up and shipped to Connecticut, where patriotic women plan to melt the lead down into ammunition. Estimated result: more than 42,000 bullets with which to drive out the fallen King's lobsterbacks.

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