Poster showing a woman thinking of her soldier husband at the front, as children play around her. Title from item.

A humorous but favorable portrayal of secretary of state Daniel Webster's assertive role in the dispute over American fishing rights in Canadian waters. (See also Edward W. Clay's "John Bull's Fish Monopoly, no.&1 1852-4, for background on this controversy.) The print reflects the belligerent attitude of northeastern Americans toward Britain over the matter. The powerful figure of Daniel Webster looms large in the center of the work. He stands in the fore of a small fishing boat on the Bay of Fundy, bracing his foot against the inside of the bow. He tows a line strung with fish, struggling against a party of English fishermen who pull from another small boat at left. Also lending their weight to Webster's efforts are two American fishermen behind him in the skiff. Old Dan: "Now then, pull away boys! pull away! ah theres no use, them English have got too much bottom for us &ther powerful strong in the arms. I'm afraid we'll lose our fish what shall we do? Negotiate? or Fight." American fisherman: "Why fight first & Negotiate afterwards, to be sure." Behind them are several larger vessels. The repetition of the initial "D" in the title is puzzling. It is probably a fragment of the word "Old," partially obliterated in this and other recorded impressions of the print. (Webster was seventy in 1852.)|"Pub. at the Office of Yankee Notions 98 Nassau St. N.Y."|Signed: JLM dell. (John L. Magee).|Thomas W. Strong Lith. 98 Nassau St. N.Y.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Reilly, p. 155-156.|Weitenkampf, p. 111.|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 1852-6.

The battle for the presidency between Greeley and incumbent Ulysses S. Grant is portrayed here in biblical terms. In a mountainous desert landscape Greeley, as David armed with a slingshot loaded with quill and inkwell and grasping a copy of his newspaper the New York "Tribune," confronts a giant Grant. The latter wields a lance, a sword, and a shield. In his shadow stands a black youth attendant. From the heights on either side of the scene two supporting armies watch, and in the center a small grotesque figure peeks from behind a rock. A domed building, intended to represent the U.S. Capitol, is visible in the distance. In the lower margin are excerpts from the story of David and Goliath taken from the Book of Samuel. The print is numbered in the stone "Picture No.11," suggesting that it is part of a series. The publisher, Merinsky, issued a pro-Greeley campaign banner, also somewhat unconventional in conception. (See no. 1872-5.)|Entered . . . 1872 by S. Merinsky. |Lith. by Svobodin Merinsky.|Published and for sale, 319 Pearl St. N.Y.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|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 1872-6.

Allegory showing the figure of Liberty leading troops to victory, in the foreground are German prisoners of war and refugees.

A pro-Cass satire, predicting the Democratic nominee's victory over Whig Zachary Taylor and Free Soil candidate Martin Van Buren. After the "fair," or election, Lewis Cass appears at the window of the White House, at upper left. Below him Taylor, pursued by bloodhounds, tries unsuccessfully to climb up the building's downspout, which is labeled "Whig Platform." The bloodhounds recall those used by Taylor against the Indians in the Second Seminole War. Taylor says here, "When Cuba is Annexed I hope these Foreigners will no longer be imported to annoy the 'Natives' in this way." (The dogs used in Florida were Cuban.) Cass quips, "Ah, Genl. up a spout eh? I am glad that you have found a Platform at last." Taylor was criticized during the campaign for failing to declare a platform. The bloodhounds sniff at his discarded sword. Further right a dead goose lies in the road, and further on a fox, Martin Van Buren, runs toward his burrow at the edge of the forest of "Free Teritory." Van Buren says, "I shall run in safe enough." At the far left Cass ally William A. Marcy stands with his hands in his pockets. He urges on the bloodhounds with, "Help your self to Fox & Geese, but don't 'Worry' the old Genl.' only ascertain his whereabouts.'" Marcy is identified by the "50 cents" trouser patch on his seat. (See "Executive Marcy and the Bambers," no. 1838-5.) The goose was used throughout the 1844 and 1848 campaigns as a symbol of incumbent President James K. Polk.|Lith. & pubd. by H.R. Robinson, 31 Park Row N. York. (Adjoining Lovjoy's Hotel, & Directly Opposite the Park Fountain.)|Signed with initials: W.J.C.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 96.|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 1848-35 .

In his satire Johnston celebrates the defeat of "Loco Foco," i.e., radical Democratic interests, in the presidential election of 1840. The "Loco Focos" were the largely working-class constituency who supported Van Buren's antimonopoly, antispeculative fiscal agenda whose centerpiece was the Independent Treasury (or "Sub Treasury") Bill. A Midas-like figure, with beard and ass's ears, writhes in his last agony on a bed. In his hand he grasps the "Sub Treasury" bill. Surrounding him are several prominent Democrats (left to right): Andrew Jackson (in a woman's dress), Francis Preston Blair, Levi Woodbury, Martin Van Buren, Thomas Hart Benton, Amos Kendall, and John Calhoun. Jackson, wringing his hands: "O dear! to think that I should have nursed him with so much care, to see him now cut off in the prime of life! . . ." Woodbury: "This will be a dreadful shock to the country!" Blair: "To the "country!!" it's enough to make a man fly his country & seek an asylum amongst the bloodhounds of Cuba . . ." The Van Buren administration's introduction of Cuban bloodhounds to hunt Indians in the Second Seminole War provoked considerable public outrage and congressional concern early in 1840. (See "The Secretary of War," no. 1840-5). Kendall: "Doctor Humbug is this really a case of Typus?" Benton: "It is so called by some, whilst others call it "Tip'" us. The majority have decided however that it is both "Tip and Ty."" The reference is to William Henry Harrison, christened "Old Tippecanoe" for the campaign, and his running-mate John Tyler. Calhoun: ". . . The loss of my last patient Nullification is fresh in the memory of all men, and now Locofocoism . . . In short I must "once" more change my system or give up practice." Calhoun, a staunch anti-Jackson force in the Senate, reversed himself in 1837 to support Van Buren's fiscal program. Several remedies are on the bed table, including "Dr. Duncan's soporific," "Benton drops," "(Globe) Extra," "Treasury Pap," and "Poinsett's [i.e., Secretary of War Joel Poinsett's] Indian pills." A devil peers in the window at right. At left, through an open door, are visible a street musician singing, "Van, Van Is a used up man" and a girl crying, "Buy a broom a Harrison broom."|Entered . . . 1840 by James Fisher.|Published by James Fisher, no. 71 Court St. Boston.|Signed: Whigsby del (David Claypool Johnston).|The Library's impression was deposited for copyright on November 13, 1840. |Title appears as it is written on the item.|Helfand, p. 7.|Johnson, no. 157.|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 1840-64.

A satirical view of the heavy losses suffered by Loco Foco and Tammany factions of the New York City Democratic party in the municipal elections of April 1837. The vote brought about not only the defeat of Tammany Hall candidate John J. Morgan and Equal Rights party ("Loco Foco") nominee David R. Jacques for mayor, but the loss of the Common Council to the Whigs as well. At right the Indian brave Tammany, his breast pierced by an arrow, and his wife, portrayed as a crude Irish woman, fall under the weight of a ballot box. Several prominent Democrats scatter in alarm under a rain of "Whig tickets." Among the Democrats is federal District Attorney William M. Price (standing facing left), whose coattails are grasped by a fallen man. Alexander Ming, Jr., and Elijah F. Purdy flee to the right. Copies of two Democratic newspapers, the "Times" and "Plain Dealer," lie on the ground. Tammany: "Farewell to all my greatness. This last blow has settled me! My dear Loco Foco, stretch out your arms to me; I die!" His wife: "Arrah be me soul Ould Tammany, your faithful Loco Foco will die wid you! I'm knockt all to smidereens!" Fallen man : "Help me up Price, I'm a gone chicken." Price: "Let go my skirts, you little premonitory." Ming: "Run Eli, the jig's up." Purdy: "Aye! Aye! Ming, the Devil take the hindmost!" On the left are triumphant representatives of the Whig press, including "Courier and Enquirer" editor James Watson Webb, who has just unleashed the arrow which has struck Tammany in the heart, and Charles King (holding sword), editor of the "New York American." James Gordon Bennett, the cross-eyed editor of the "New York Herald," falls under Webb's feet. A man with a fireman's hat and horn urges the group on. Behind him is Mordecai Manuel Noah, editor of the "New York Star," wielding a pike. He is followed by men representing the New York "Gazette" and "Express." Fireman: "Huzza! onward, we'll bang Slamm and the rest of them this time." King: "Keep together and the victory is ours." Bennett: ""Murder! Big Whiskers! Save me! I'm the Ladies favorite. Hoxie! Lovely Emmeline!! Squint Eye! Oh!!" |Entered . . . 1837 by H.R. Robinson . . . Southern District of New York.|Printed & pubd. by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt Street.|Signed with monogram: C (Edward Williams Clay).|The print was registered for copyright on November 15, 1837.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Davison, no. 88.|Weitenkampf, p. 47.|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 1837-5.

A pointed comparison of French and American governments, prompted by events surrounding American efforts in 1836 to force France to honor spoliation claims for American shipping losses suffered during the Napoleonic Wars, as established by the Treaty of 1831. On the left is a shore with King Louis Philippe, several of his ministers or officers, and an overturned chest from which issue statements of the country's debts and a picture of "Fieschi" dated July 28, 1835. (Republican conspirator Giuseppe Maria Fieschi unsuccessfully tried to assassinate King Louis-Philippe of France on July 28, 1835.) Louis Philippe holds in his hand a card reading "Fortunate speculation 25 millions." One of his officers forcibly impresses a seaman, and points toward the ship "Dido" which is moored off shore. The text below reads: The debilitated situation of a monarchal Government when puffed up by pride and self-importance, whose resources must be wrung from the people's hands. The difficulties to which such a State must ever be exposed. The scene is contrasted with one on the opposite shore where four American officers stand near a chest full of money. The chest has inside its lid a picture of the Capitol. The foremost officer, a surprisingly young-looking Andrew Jackson, holds up the Treaty of 1831. Behind him a gentleman holds forth a bag of money, a sailor waves his cap, and an armed citizen stands by. Near the chest is a book open to a list of American victories. In the distance three ships are moored: the "Constitution," "New Orleans" and an unnamed vessel. Below is the legend: The flourishing condition of a well-formed industrious Republic. The willingness displayed by the citizen of a free State to serve his country with his blood and fortune. In a medallion below is the head of Liberty, surrounded by stars. Below the medallion are eight lines from Lord Byron's "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage," praising American liberty and questioning Europe's prospects for freedom. The print is well-drawn for an American print of the period and, considering the lack of an imprint, may have been produced in England.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Century, p. 46.|Weitenkampf, p. 42|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 1836-2.

A cryptic and anonymous satire probably referring to the 1834 "decapitation" of the wooden figure-head of Andrew Jackson, placed on the ship "Constitution" when it was refitted at Boston. The deed was perpetrated after Boston Whigs protested the newly-placed improvement. In a thunderstorm two ships, the "Independence" and "Constitution" are moored at a dock. A sentry on the deck of the former says "All's well." In the foreground another sentry sleeps leaning on a post. Two small demons have just removed the head of Jackson from the figure-head, and it is borne off by an empty coat. Malcolm Johnson (no. 142) records another satire on this incident, produced by David Claypool Johnston for Anthony Imbert.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 26.|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 1834-13.

Students use Library of Congress primary sources to examine Thomas Jefferson's intentions in stating "All men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence.

Students compare and analyze differences between Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and the final version of the document.

The broadside declaration is illustrated with a headpiece of Hercules strangling the Nemean lion as two astonished elders look on. Beneath the woodcut is the line, "Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder; the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet." On either side of the image are quotations from Scripture condemning the evils of slavery. The main text is a manifesto, dated December 6, 1833, advocating the formation of a national anti-slavery society and enumerating its goals. It includes the names of delegates to the convention from ten states.|Merrihew & Gunn, Printers, no. 7 Carter's Alley, Philadelphia.|Signed in the block: Reuben S. Gilbert.|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 1833-15.

Poster showing a dark figure [Kaiser?] and a U-boat, with a burning vessel sinking in the distance. OC.

A mildly jingoistic satire voicing American suspicions of foreign designs on California after the discovery of gold there in 1848. The bay and coastline of San Francisco are shown, menaced by foreign invaders who appear offshore. Closest is Queen Victoria of England, who rides a bull and carries a spade. She sings (to the tune of "Oh, Suzannah!&1), "Oh, "Dear Albert" [i.e., Prince Albert, her husband] dont' you cry for me, / I'm 'off' for California with my shovel on my knee." Next follows Czar Nicholas I of Russia, as a bear, who recites, "As something is "Bruin" I'll put in my "paw /" While the Nations around me are making a "Jaw."" Overhead flies a cock with the head of Louis-Napoleon, president of France. He calls: "As "you "have "Gold" for all Creation / 'Den please give some to "La Grand Nation" / I've just become "de President" / And back I "shall" not like to "went." Louis Napoleon was elected in December 1848. Farther up the coast, Spain's Queen Isabella II wades neck-deep in water toward shore. A squadron of American cutters sails into the harbor behind her, evidently bent on its defense. On land is an encampment of American troops with two rows of tents. A sentry, watching over casks and crates of gold, warns, "Keep out of "these Dig&1gins." The precious stores surround a flagpole with a large American flag. To the left of the encampment is a row of cannon over which Gen. Zachary Taylor, as an eagle, watches. Taylor threatens, "Retreat you poor D---ls! nor a squabble engender. For our Gold unto you we will "never surrender. Right about face!" Double quick to the rear! And back to your keepers all hands of you steer." On a rocky outcropping or jetty at lower left is President James K. Polk, as a snake. He also warns (somewhat more meekly than Taylor): "I pray thee tread not on our corns, /But slope "Dear Vic;" haul in your "horns" / And tell the Powers that lag behind, / Seek other lands "thier Gold to find"; / Or by the "Lord" we'll make a rattle, / To take good care of all such "Cattle. Polk's role of authority here suggests that the print dates from his administration, which ended with the inauguration of Zachary Taylor on March 5, 1849. It could not have appeared earlier, however, than December 1848, when French President Louis Napoleon (a prominent figure here) was elected. The California Gold Rush began in the summer of 1848.|December 1848 or early 1849. Drawn by S. Lee Perkins?|Lith & pubd by Henry Serrell & S. Lee Perkins 75 Nassau St N.Y.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Maurice & Cooper, p. 149, 152-153.|Murrell, p. 175, 179.|Weitenkampf, p. 98.|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 1849-1.

Highlights from the past and present of Delaware, from the rich online collections of the Library of Congress.

Two scenes contrast Democratic presidential candidate of 1832 Andrew Jackson and 1864 George B. McClellan. McClellan is portrayed as weak and conciliatory toward the South, whereas his earlier counterpart's staunch preservation of the Union is applauded. In the left panel Jackson berates John C. Calhoun, leader of the Southern nullification effort of 1832. Jackson vows, "By the Eternal! this Union must and shall be preserved: A Traitor's doom to him who acts against it." Calhoun bows deeply in response, pleading, "Pardon! Pardon!" Three men in the background also bow. The South Carolinean Calhoun was a longtime exponent of Southern autonomy. On the right McClellan and running mate Pendleton kneel on the "Chicago Platform" before a standing Jefferson Davis. Davis addresses them, "Gentlemen, I am well pleased with what you ask for, you are men of sense, and to commence with I wish you to call back those fellows, Sherman, Grant and Sheridan also that old Seadog Farragut after that we will see further." The men mentioned are Union generals William T. Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, and Philip H. Sheridan and Union admiral David G. Farragut. McClellan, who ran on a "peace at any price" plank, offers an olive branch to Davis, begging, "We should like to have Union and Peace dear Mr. Davis but if such is not your pleasure then please state your terms for a friendly separation." Pendleton, behind him, says, "Amen." At the far left a Confederate soldier comments, "Those Northern dogs how they whine!" Beside him another soldier gnaws a corn cob.|Entered . . . 1864 by L. Prang & Co. . . . Mass.|Published by Louis Prang & Co. 159 Washington St. Boston.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Murrell, p. 225.|Weitenkampf, p. 143.|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 1864-24.

A satire on the 1817 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race between William Findlay and Joseph Heister. The artist clearly favors the former, and charges corruption in Heister's campaign. Findlay appears to be buoyed toward the governor's chair by the voices of a crowd of voters, who stand around a ballot box (or platform) on the left. From various members of the crowd come the words: "voice of the people," "the man of our Choice," "Chosen with open doors," "no bribery or Corruption," "let me impress it on your minds who was nominated by 113 delegates of true Republican principles," "I will record the deed," and "True Democracy." Findlay says, "How easy do I ascend." On the right another crowd is assembled. Several men hold up a platform made of bundles of the "Aurora" and "U.S.Gazette" newspapers and "Shingles bought at 10 pounds and paid for at 8 pounds," which in turn supports planks "Federalism," "Old Schoolism" and "1364 Dollars." On top stands candidate Heister, holding a paper "Serious Reflections . . . " and saying "Mercy on me-What a foundation I stand upon!!!" Various people below say: "I would Vote for Old Nick provided I could get a good Office," "I am thinking to myself how foolish we shall look if we do not Succeed," "We must have recourse to all kinds of Strategem or we cannot succeed," and "I do not much relish this Union But Concience [sic] Avaunt." An eagle with olive branch on the left and lightning bolts on the right appears in the sky below the chair. |Designed and Executed by one who has neither place nor pension.|The print has been convincingly attributed by William Murrell to William Charles. The Library of Congress has two states of the print, in the second of which the shading is reinforced with rocker or roulette work.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Murrell, p. 95.|Weitenkampf, p. 20.|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 1817-1.

Foreseeing political death for the Democrats in the election, the artist imagines a funeral of the party's standard-bearers with a procession of the faithful. Democratic senators (left to right) Sam Houston of Texas, Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, (obscured unidentified man), and South Carolina's John Calhoun carry a litter bearing the bodies of Van Buren, as a fox, and Lewis Cass, as a gas balloon (an unflattering play on his last name). Cass expels clouds of gas from his mouth. Benton carries a slip of paper with the words, "Last of the Family Reign." Calhoun carries an iron collar or manacle labeled "Slavery." They are followed by a second group of pallbearers: Ohio Senator William Allen, former Van Buren advisor Amos Kendall, New Hampshire Democratic leader Levi Woodbury, and former general William Worth, who carry a stretcher bearing retiring President Polk (with cloven hoofs and a devil's tail). Kendall also carries a document labeled "Latest Despatch" while Worth holds his "Military Comi--- [Commission?]," possibly alluding to his role in the Scott-Pillow controversy. (See "Self-Inflating Pillow," no. 1848-2.) An empty "Sub Treasury" box lies open next to Polk on the stretcher. The Independent or "Sub Treasury" bill was a widely criticized measure passed by the Polk administration in August 1846. All of the mourners wear clerical robes. A tombstone for the newspaper "Washington Union" is at left and a monument "To the Memory of Democracy" at right.|Probably drawn by E.F. Durang.|Pubd. by Peter E. Abel & Durang, Philada.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 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 1848-48.

Another attack on the 1856 Democratic platform as pro-South and proslavery. The Buchanan-Breckenridge ticket is reviled on the basis of recent developments occurring during the outgoing Pierce administration. In the center of the picture is a flagstaff bearing an American flag inscribed "Buchanan & Breckenridge. Modern Democracy." To its base are chained two slaves (right)--a man and a woman. The woman kneels before an overseer with a whip and pistol in his pocket, and asks, "Is this Democracy?" The overseer declares, "We will subdue you." In the background one of Cuba's coastal towns burns and is fired upon by a ship. The scene probably refers to expressed Democratic ambitions to annex Cuba for the expansion of American slave territory. The phrase "A due regard for our just rights in the Gulf of Mexico" appears above the burning town. A similar scene of conflagration, "Squatter sovereignty demonstrated," appears in the left background. Here a settlement in Kansas burns and its inhabitants are driven away by armed marauders. Reference is to atrocities committed in the wake of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of May 1854, which was endorsed by the Democratic platform. The act provided for dividing the Nebraska territory into two parts, each later to be admitted into the Union as either slave or free, as decided in each case by popular (or "squatter") sovereignty. The measure ushered in a bloody struggle between proslavery and antislavery settlers over control of Kansas. The antislavery town of Lawrence, Kansas, was invaded and sacked by a proslavery posse on May 21, 1856. In the left foreground is Preston S. Brooks's May 22 attack on Charles Sumner in Congress. (See "Arguments of the Chivalry," no. 1856-1.)|B. Thurston, Steam Printer.|Published by James G. Varney, New York.|The Library's impression of the print was deposited for copyright on July 31, 1856, by James G. Varney.|Title appears as it is written on the item.|Weitenkampf, p. 117.|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 1856-11.