A facetious, and somewhat racist, look at public opinion surrounding the controversy over American fishing rights in British-controlled waters off North America. (See also "John Bull's Fish Monopoly," no. 1852-4.) Four men, all stereotypes, debate the issue and agree on American claims to the rights. A Yankee (seated, far left) motions with his cigar and declares, "I go in for liberty to ketch all the fish I want--I've been in the fish bizness myself and sold porgies for two year on the Avenue." A knock-kneed black man in a wide-brimmed hat and patched trousers agrees, "Ah dat's it Boss! Den you knows all about it ob course. I neber sold porgies, but I hab opened clams and biled lobster. & I tink the freedom ob the seas belongs to us--I does for sartain." To emphasize the point, he stabs the palm of his hand with his forefinger. A Dutchman smoking a large meerschaum pipe adds, "Vell den vot shall I told der British? I shall said go to der duyvil mit your dreaties! Codfish shall pe more goot as de dreaties--I shall ketch de fish & you was ketch de dreaties, py Dam!" At far right stands a bewhiskered Irishman, his hand resting on what appears to be a butter-churn(?). He concludes, "Arrah be aisy now! Only put little Frank Pierce [i.e., Democratic presidential nominee Franklin Pierce] in the chair and he'll settle the question in a jiffy." The collection of character types as well as the drawing style in the print are recognizable as the work of Edward Williams Clay. Compare it, for instance, with his "Seven Stages of the Office-Seeker" and "Ultimatum on the Oregon Question (nos.&1 1852-8 and 1846-1). Reference to the candidacy of Franklin Pierce suggests that the cartoon appeared during the summer of 1852, when public concern over the issue peaked.|Probably drawn by Edward Williams Clay.|Pubd. by John Childs, 84 Nassau St. N.Y.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 106.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1852-5.

A patriotic sheet music cover for a Unionist song written by Gen. W. H. Hayward, composed and arranged by Prof. C. S. Root, and dedicated to Wilson G. Horner, Esq. Columbia, wearing a liberty cap and carrying an American flag and a sword, rides on the back of a flying bald eagle. On either side of the title panel are military trophies composed of crossed flags, shields, swords, bayonets, and other paraphernalia. The trophy on the right incorporates a pickax and spade. Below are cannons, cannonballs, sacks and barrels of powder, and a drum and drumsticks.|Ehrgott, Forbriger & Co. Lith.|Published by A.C. Peters & Bro., no. 94, West Fourth Str., opposite the Post Office, St. Louis|The Library's copy of the music sheet was deposited for copyright on December 30, 1862.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1862-16.

A patriotic allegory illustrating the cover of sheet music for a song composed by William Vincent Wallace with words by George P. Morris. The theme of the indissoluble union of North and South is evoked here, no doubt in the context of debate over the Compromise of 1850. The artist expresses the concept by two female figures, crowned with diadems, standing together on a globe and holding the staff of a large American flag. The arm of the North (left) encircles the neck of the maiden representing the South. Before them is a large eagle, his talons gripping thunderbolts and his breast emblazoned with the word "Union." The eagle's wings spread to enframe the lower half of the oval picture. The upper half is ringed with stars. Into the distance stretch two great rivers, past large cities, toward rising mountains.|Entered . . . 1851 by Wm. Hall & Son. |Lith of H. Hoff N.Y.|One of the Library's copies of the music-sheet was deposited for copyright on May 21, 1851. Another copy, slightly different image, is in P&P LOT 10615-34 (LC-USZ62-17449).|Published by Wm. Hall & Son 239, Broadway. New York. |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1851-2.

Another copy, slightly different image was deposited for copyright on May 21, 1851 (M1 .A13 W; LC-USZ62-91835).|Caption card tracings: Shelf.|Copyright by William Hall & Son; lithograph by H. Hoff, N.Y.|LOT subdivision subject: Emblems and Symbols.|No known restrictions on reproduction.|Tinted.|Title and other information transcribed from caption card.|Title appears as it is written on the item.

South Carolina struggles against the outgoing Buchanan administration in an attempt to "smash the Union up!" The artist uses the age-old pictorial conceit of two parties pulling on the different ends of a cow, while a man in the middle (in this case identified as "Georgia") happily milks the beast. The cow is emblazoned with the statement, "The Union. I have a good Constitution, and can stand a pretty strong pull!" The cartoon no doubt refers to South Carolina governor Francis Pickens's attempts early in 1861 to attract other Southern states to the secessionist cause. The artist clearly sympathizes with James Buchanan's efforts to preserve the Union. As Pickens expresses his intent Buchanan vows, "Not if I can prevent it governor!" The cow also speaks, "Governor, if you pull too hard on my tail, I'll kick you into the Atlantic Ocean." Toombs chimes in, "Pull away boys!! Georgia will get the cream of this joke!!" as he draws milk into a pail labeled "City of Savannah." The artist may be referring to Georgia's exploitation of the conflict to seize federal Fort Pulaski at Savannah on January 3. (Georgia's perfidy is cited again in "The Southern Confederacy A Fact!!!," no. 1861-22.) Although the print has no imprint it is, as Weitenkampf asserts, clearly the work of Currier & Ives.|Published by Currier & Ives, New York.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Gale, no. 2256.|Weitenkampf, p. 128.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1861-5.

Food! is a freely available community research guide developed by the Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC) in partnership with the InterAcademy Partnership as part of the Smithsonian Science for Global Goals project. These Smithsonian Science for Global Goals community research guides use the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework to focus on sustainable actions that are defined and implemented by students.

Food! is a module broken up into seven parts. Each part contains a series of tasks to complete. Each task contains additional resources to support that task. We have provided a suggested order for the parts and tasks. However, the structure of the guide hopefully allows you to customize your learning experience by selecting which parts, tasks, and resources you would like to utilize and in what order you would like to complete them.

A figurative portrayal of the presidential race of 1824. A crowd of cheering citizens watch as candidates (left to right) John Quincy Adams, William Crawford, and Andrew Jackson stride toward the finish. Henry Clay has dropped from the race and stands, hand on head, on the far right saying, "D--n it I cant save my distance--so I may as well "draw up."" He is consoled by a man in riding clothes, "Well dont distress yourself--there'll be some scrubbing by & by & then you'll have a chance." Assorted comments come from the crowd, reflecting various sectional and partisan views. A Westerner with stovepipe hat and powder horn: "Hurra for our Jacks-"son."" Former President John Adams: "Hurra for our son "Jack."" Two men in coachmen's livery: "That inne-track fellow [Crawford] goes so well; that I think he must have got the better of the bots [boss?]." and "Like enough; but betwixt you & I--I dont think he'll ever get the better of the "Quinsy."" A ragged Irishman: "Blast my eyes if I dont "venter" a "small" horn of rotgut on that "bald filly" in the middle [Adams]." A Frenchman: "Ah hah! Mon's Neddy I tink dat kick on de "back of you side" is worse den have no dinner de fourt of july." In the left background is a platform and an inaugural scene, the "Presidential Chair" with a purse "|(Swann Fund Purchase)|Crackfardi Delt. et Sct. (David Claypool Johnston, Boston).|The print probably appeared late in the election campaign, as Weitenkampf cites an impression in the New York Public Library with the copyright legend "Entered . . . Oct. 6, 1824." The Library's impression has only the title and signature.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Century, p. 32-33.|Johnson, no. 41.|Murrell, p. 106, 108.|Weitenkampf, p. 21.|Purchase; Caroline and Erwin Swann Memorial Fund.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1824-4.

The race for a $25,000 prize (the president's salary) is a metaphor for the 1844 campaign. The favored contender here is Henry Clay. The other runners are James K. Polk and John Tyler, while commentaries are offered by a farmer, vice presidential candidate Theodore Frelinghuysen, and Whig stalwart Daniel Webster. The print probably appeared before Tyler officially withdrew as a presidential candidate on August 20. Henry Clay is in the lead, about to pass the half-mile marker to the White House. The Capitol appears in the distance. Clay holds an American flag in one hand and a document in the other, and begins to ascend the steeply inclined final stretch. Behind him Democratic nominee James K. Polk stumbles and falls, his foot in a pothole. Clay: "Clear the Road for Old Kentuck!" Polk: "Oh! Lord I've slipped up! I've got fundamental objections to this mode of coming down." Frelinghuysen: "Ha! Ha! Dan there goes Polk! that Tariff grease that I put there has done the business slick!" Support for a tariff was a plank in the Whig platform which was extremely popular in the Northeast. Webster replies: "Why Theodore, Harry [Clay] is a going it in fine style. He'll take the Purse & not half try!" A third contestant, incumbent President John Tyler, notices a woman traveling down another road toward Texas. The woman is elegantly dressed, and holds a parasol which obstructs the view ahead of her. Tyler questions a farmer standing nearby, "I say my friend who is that going down the road yonder . . ." The farmer replies "Oh! thats the Gardeners Daughter that lives in yon house there down the road!" "Well thats the road for me," Tyler continues, "I am used up in the Race. So I'm off! tell them Gentlemen that they must excuse me."|Entered . . . 1844 by J. Baillie.|Litho. & pubd. by James Baillie 118 Nassau St N.Y.|Signed: H. Bucholzer.|The Library's impression of the print was deposited for copyright on August 23, 1844.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 79.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1844-41.

An illustrated election ticket for Luke Tiernan and George R. Richardson, administration candidates for Baltimore delegates to the Maryland General Assembly in 1828. The ticket bears a woodcut emblem of a flexed arm holding a hammer, framed by a wreath of oak leaves. |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1828-11.

A Democratic election ticket for the 1844 presidential campaign, issued sometime between May 29, when Polk received the Democratic nomination, and the November canvass. The ticket names the party's eight electors for the state of Maryland and is illustrated with the device of an American flag on a staff topped by a glowing liberty cap.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1844-15.

An illustrated cover for a campaign song written for Democratic candidates Horatio Seymour and Francis P. Blair, Jr. Bust portraits of Seymour and Blair are separated by two cornucopias spilling over with flowers that form a wreath around two clasped hands. Above the portraits are vines, olive branches, and palm fronds, the vines circling around to entwine with two American flags below. At the top, an American eagle stands on a shield decorated with stars and stripes.|Chicago Lithographing Co.|Entered . . . 1868 by Lyon & Healy. |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1868-3.

The artist lays on the Democrats the major blame for violence perpetrated against antislavery settlers in Kansas in the wake of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. Here a bearded "freesoiler" has been bound to the "Democratic Platform" and is restrained by two Lilliputian figures, presidential nominee James Buchanan and Democratic senator Lewis Cass. Democratic senator Stephen A. Douglas and president Franklin Pierce, also shown as tiny figures, force a black man into the giant's gaping mouth. The freesoiler's head rests on a platform marked "Kansas," "Cuba," and "Central America," probably referring to Democratic ambitions for the extension of slavery. In the background left is a scene of burning and pillage; on the right a dead man hangs from a tree.|"Pub. by J.L. Magee 48 Pasyunk Road Phila."|Drawn by John L. Magee.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 115.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1856-8.

An election-year satire favoring Free Soil candidate Martin Van Buren in the 1848 presidential contest. A long-legged John Van Buren carries his father piggyback through Salt River, heading toward the White House on the far shore. "Matty" says, "Thanks to your long legs, John, I believe that I shall pass over this Jordan dry shod." The younger Van Buren assures his father, "Hold on Dad & I'll put you through." Meanwhile, abolitionist editor Horace Greeley and candidates Taylor and Clay are having a more difficult time fording the river. Clay is immersed head first, leaving only his legs visible. Taylor is neck-deep in the water. Greeley yells to Kentucky Whig leader Cassius M. Clay, seated on the near bank, "Help, Cassius, or I Sink." Clay replies, "Can't come there, Horace, I risked my life in Mexico, & I don't like to do it again." (Cassius Clay was a hero of the recent Mexican War).|Entered . . . 1848 by J. Baillie. |Published by James Baillie, 87th St. near Third Avenue, New York.|Signed with reversed initials: H.B. (H. Bucholzer).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 97.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1848-29.

On May 27, 1861, Benjamin Butler, commander of the Union army in Virginia and North Carolina, decreed that slaves who fled to Union lines were legitimate "contraband of war," and were not subject to return to their Confederate owners. The declaration precipitated scores of escapes to Union lines around Fortress Monroe, Butler's headquarters in Virginia. In this crudely drawn caricature, a slave stands before the Union fort taunting his plantation master. The planter (right) waves his whip and cries, "Come back you black rascal." The slave replies, "Can't come back nohow massa Dis chile's contraban." Hordes of other slaves are seen leaving the fields and heading toward the fort.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 126.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1861-37.

The title continues: "Breaking up of a Grand Spree in the Tea Room & total abflustification of the common scoundrels." Weitenkampf calls the print a satirical look at members of the New York Common Council "after a spree of eating and drinking," and cites two others by Elton. The artist also suggests corruption in that Tammany-controlled civic body, a center of Democratic power in 1840. It is a crowded scene of drunken merriment. In the foreground are several comical figures in various attitudes, including a reeling heavy-set man who says, "I'm affraid I've not done me juty to me w-a-r-d this evening, let me see what I've had: three Oyster stews . . . " He leans on a smaller man who says, "Don't make yourself uneasy Sir, if you havent done your duty on this occassion, I would like to see the man who has & if there is such a man all I want is his Daguerreotype Likeness to hang on the inside of my shirt to remember him by . . ." (Daguerreotypes were first introduced in 1839, and portrait studios had opened in several major cities in the United States by early 1840.) On the right two others converse. One, with a bulbous red nose, lifts his glass aloft. The second holds a bag marked "40,000." The first says, "Ah! that's the talk! let me see with that amount of stuff, I can cut out forty pairs of pantaloons with a thousand sets of trimmings for each man, o yes Sir depend on it, the documents shall be forthcoming!" The second, "Here is the Stuff for pantaloons & I hope now you will put that matter through & let me have the contract without delay." In the middle ground left a black manservant holds a tray of cups before the open door to a "Tea Room."|For sale at 124 Nassau St. N.Y.|Probably drawn by John L. Magee.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Murrell, p. 162, 164.|Weitenkampf, p. 68-69.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1840-1.

An illustrated broadside reviling four Rhode Island Whigs who broke party ranks to support a popular movement to free imprisoned radical Thomas Wilson Dorr. (On the Dorr Rebellion see also "Trouble in the Spartan Ranks, Tyrants Prostrate Liberty Triumphant," and "The Great Political Car and Last Load of Patriots," nos. 1843-6, 1844-19, and 1845-5.) The broadside's author alleges political opportunism in the alliance of (left to right) Charles Jackson, Samuel F. Man, James F. Simmons, and Lemuel H. Arnold with Democrats to support a "liberation" ticket in the spring elections of 1845. This notice, evidently published after the April canvass, laments the election of "an obscure individual like [President James K.] Polk" and "a pompous, self-conceited man like [Gov. Charles] Jackson" as well as "Foreigners, ignorant, barbarous and uncivilized," "radicals, disorganisers, and abolitionists assuming to be jurists" in general. The author exhorts the reader, "Let us not reward Traitors, but with just indignation abandon them as 'Scape-Goats,' to their destiny--forever." The "Four Traitors" are crudely caricatured. Jackson holds a proclamation of liberation, probably the act of June 1845 pardoning Dorr. Samuel Man is depicted as obese, sitting in a chair and holding an infant. Simmons thumbs his nose at Man, and his own coattails are in turn held by Lemuel Arnold. A verse appears below them: O, heaven that such companions thou'dst unfold; / And put in every honest hand a whip / To lash the rascals naked through the world.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1845-4.

One of three anti-Lincoln satires published by Nichols in Boston at around the same time. (It was deposited for copyright on June 30, 1863, along with "Oppression!! Suppressing the Press" and "The Great American What Is It? Chased by Copper-heads" nos. 1863-6 and 1863-8). The present cartoon criticizes the Lincoln administration's mismanagement of the war, the "Four Years Contract" being the presidency. A barefoot Lincoln sits on a log labeled "Fredericksburg" (site of a major Union defeat under the leadership of Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside) and holds an ax between his legs, as he receives four members of the "Committee on War" at left, who also carry axes. He says to himself, "My axe is as dull as theirs so I hid it between my legs." The Committee on the Conduct of the War was formed in 1861 to investigate recent Union military failures. In front of them is a woodpile with logs inscribed with the names of Southern cities, such as "Richmond," "Mobile," and "Charleston." Ensconced in the pile is a tiny black man who cries out, "Massar.r.r." Beneath a nearby grindstone lurks a copperhead (nickname of the Peace Democrats, who opposed Lincoln's wartime policies). The members of the committee (from left to right) report: Man with top hat: "Mr. President. There is a nigger in the woodpile dont you here him holler. Old song." Second man: "Abe., We found Fremont [Union Officer John C. Fremont] all run out, but we have fixed him up as good as new and I invented the first lie about McClellan." In 1862 Gen. George B. McClellan was relieved from command of the Army of the Potomac (some said for political reasons) and later became the presidential candidate of the Peace Democrats. Bareheaded man: "Abe--I've been in Mac's Com-sary department and found the provisions good, as I stole a sheep that he left in Maryland and twas excellent." Man carrying a large book "Committee on War Full Report": Mr. Pres. We've got axes to grind, as they got dreadful dull in trying to cut up McClellan's character & by the way cant you do something for us now?" Lincoln addresses them: "Sirs; Your report is recieved with profound pleasure, and your shall be great; but ther's a blasted Copperhead under the grindstone so that if you grind here you'll get bit and that is sure death. 'Mac' is the only one that can handle 'em, so I dont see what I'm going to do. 'Mac' gave that Richmond log a good crack and if I hadn't stole his Wedge, he would have split it sure and if my heels want so long I'd go to Trenton and get him back. I am this moment getting a despatch from Fr so I must bid you all good day. 1st News Good, Good, Good. 2nd News Thunderation!" The term "Copperhead" referred to Peace Democrats and others who advocated a negotiated reconciliation with the South. A Union officer behind Lincoln cuts with his ax into the Fredericksburg log, on which lies another copperhead. He announces, "1st Despatch Copperhead cut off, his capture certain. 2nd Despatch He has escaped through the gap and threatened our positions." In the right background, "Stone-Man" a figure made of stones standing on a horse, comments, "Mr. Pres. I have been to the rear and owing to my great weight I have broken down a number of bridges." The figure no doubt represents Gen. John Stonemen, commander of Union cavalry during the recent defeat at Chancellorsville. At far left a two-headed man, "Wilke's Spirit by a Medium," observes, "Mac is a slow hoss but there's no use in trying to run him down." In November 1861 Union naval officer Charles Wilkes captured Southern diplomats James Murray Mason and John Slidell on the "Trent," a British merchant ship. Beside him is a sign "Lies told for cash." In the distance are a dog, a rooster, a horse, and a boxing match.|Entered . . . 1863 by E.W.T. Nichols . . . Mass.|The Library's impression of the work was deposited for copyright on June 30, 1863. |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 139.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1863-7.

The artist's portrayal of Harrison's rout of Van Buren reflects strong Whig confidence late in the presidential campaign of 1840. Van Buren is shown as a fox, with a bird (an albatross?) labeled "Treasury" around his neck. He flees from a pack of barrel-trunked hounds, and from Whig senators Daniel Webster (center) and Henry Clay, toward the White House steps. From the steps William Henry Harrison warns him away with a pitchfork. Van Buren: "I must get to cover as soon as possible, my race is nearly run! D---n these cider barrel hounds." Harrison: "Oh ho! you are making for the White house my boy! but it's no longer a cover for you, I'm put here to keep you out of it!" Webster: "He is nearly run out! he will not go another turn! see how his tail droops!" Clay: ". . . Look out General or he'll get into his hole!" The barrels are labeled "Tip's Dog," "Hard Cider 1841," "Reform 1841," and "Better Times." |Entered . . . 1840 by J. Childs.|Published by J. Childs no. 90 Nassau St. New York.|Signed with monogram: EWC (Edward Williams Clay).|The Library's impression was deposited for copyright on August 26, 1840, but was actually registered for copyright earlier, on August 14. Printed in the lower left margin is "Price 25 Cents."|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 65.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1840-50.

Again Van Buren's flirtation with radical interests is portrayed as his downfall. As in "The Modern Colossus" (no. 1848-56) antislavery activist Abby Folsom (here "Abby Fulsome") is prominently featured. Here she witnesses Van Buren's flight from various foes, each depicted as an animal. In pursuit of Van Buren are Zachary Taylor (as an alligator), and senators Thomas Hart Benton (a bull), John C. Calhoun (a lion), and Daniel Webster (an elephant). Taylor vows, "I'll swallow him directly," while Webster says, "Let me put my foot on him." A crane "Poke," actually incumbent Democratic President James K. Polk, swoops toward the fleeing fox from the sky. On the left stand editor Horace Greeley, Folsom, and longtime Van Buren ally Benjamin F. Butler. Greeley tells the fox to "Run under my white coat Matty. It will not be the first time that it has covered a fox. But, cheer up, for there is still balm in Gilead. You shall be the candidate of the Fourierites [i.e., members of the reform movement championed by Greeley]." Folsom laments, "Now that he has doubled on his track & come over to us, what a pity that we can't save him!" Butler exclaims, "Alas! Alas! is this the end of my devotedness, my martyrdom, & above all, my state preaching?" Van Buren replies, "It's no use friends, my cake is all dough, as my face used to be. Why did you drag me out of my hole to be tormented thus." "Doughface" was a name given northern friends of slave interests, which Van Buren was perceived to have been during his administration.|Entered . . . 1848 by J. Baillie. |Published by James Baillie, 87th St. near 3d. Avenue N.Y.|Signed with initials: H.B. (H. Bucholzer).|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 89-90.|Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1848-57.

A satire on South Carolina's role as instigator of secessionism in the South. The artist may be lampooning the convention of seceded states which assembled at Montgomery, Alabama, on February 4, 1861. The prominent leaders of the Confederate states are portrayed as foxes. The chief fox (the one "without a tail") is South Carolina governor Francis Pickens. South Carolina was the most radical of the Southern states and the first to leave the Union. Here he tries to entice the others into giving up their tails as well. As the text below puts it, "A cunning fox, having lost his tail in a trap, to save himself from ridicule called a convention of the other foxes and stated to them that having found his tail a great incumbrance he had cut it off, and advised them all to do the same, . . ." Standing on a pedestal supported on the back of a crouching black man, Pickens (center) holds aloft a document "Secession" and says, "All in favor of losing their tails will please say aye contrary no, carried the member from Mississippi will commence operations." The member from Missippi is Jefferson Davis, who stands at right holding a large ax. Before him, with its tail on a block, is a fox "Florida." Davis says (although he doesn't move), "Make ready, take aim, fire! bang!! there she goes slick as a whistle, now then Toombs, your tail if you please, no noise." Georgia secessionist Robert Toombs holds a bowl in front of him, and announces, "After the member from Florida I claim the honor of being the "next Customer." An unidentified man at the far right proclaims, "Until a better substitute is offered, I shal hold on to my tail, that's certain." To the left of Pickens is an ornate table carved with symbols of tyranny and treachery, including a pistol, dagger, crown, whip, and die. On the table rests an inkwell with a statuette of two men fighting with daggers. Behind, two foxes representing Louisiana and Alabama are partly concealed by a large document. On the far left is "Texas," a fox with a foolscap pulled down over its face and holding a musket with bayonet and a liquor bottle. He sings, "Yankee doodle be hanged (hic) Star spangled banner 'hanged, (hic) come lets lick 'er." Another man asks, "In case we cut off our tails and should afterwards repent, is there any description of glue in the market with which we can fasten them on again, and will it stick." In the foreground Buchanan's secretary of the interior Jacob Thompson of Mississippi runs from an emptied safe with a sack of $870,000, saying, "To the victors belong the spoils that good Democractic doctrine." Thompson had resigned the cabinet in 1861. The stolen goods may refer to an episode during his term of office when he was accused of stealing a large sum of money from the Indian funds of the Department of Interior. He was eventually judged innocent of this charge. In the background a fox standing atop a ladder puts a torch to the American flag and eagle.|Drawn by John L. Magee.|Published by John L. Magee, 22 South Fifth St. Phila.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 126.|Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1861-8.