The downfall of Mother Bank - Public domain drawing
A pro-Jackson satire applauding the President's September 1833 order for the removal of federal deposits from the Bank of the United States. The combined opposition to this move from Bank president Nicholas Bid... More
A minister extraordinary taking passage & bound on a foreign mission t...
The second of two prints surrounding the scandalous trial of Methodist minister Ephraim K. Avery for the brutal murder of factory girl Sarah Maria Cornell. (See "A Very Bad Man," no. 1833-13). Contrary to Weite... More
A very bad man - Drawing. Public domain image.
The first of two prints formerly thought to be anti-Jackson satires, but actually dealing with the sensational trial of Methodist minister Ephraim K. Avery in May 1833 for the murder of Sarah Maria Cornell. (Se... More
The political barbecue. Book illustration from Library of Congress
Andrew Jackson is roasted over the fires of "Public Opinion" by the figure of Justice in a cartoon relating to the controversy surrounding Jackson's removal of federal deposits from the Bank of the United State... More
All fours-important state of the game-the knave about to be lost
The presidential campaign of 1836 viewed as a card game by a satirist in sympathy with the Whigs. Opposing candidates Martin Van Buren (Democrat) and William Henry Harrison (Whig) face each other across a card... More
A Galvanized Corpse - Public domain dedication. Metropolitan Museum of...
Public domain scan of American 19th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
A Democratic voter. Book illustration from Library of Congress
The artist satirizes the split in party loyalties between the Locofoco and Tammany factions of New York City Democrats. In particular he belittles the Irish immigrants widely recruited by the party at the time... More
Grand Virginia reel and scamperdown at the Whitehouse Washington
Another satire on Andrew Jackson's conflict with French king Louis Philippe over French reparations due the United States under the Treaty of 1831. The artist blames vice-president Van Buren for escalation of a... More
Houston, Santa Anna, and Cos - A cartoon of a group of men with skis
An imaginative portrayal (with overt propaganda value) of an event in the Texas war of independence --the surrender of Mexican commander Santa Anna and his brother-in-law General Martin Perfecto de Cos, to Amer... More
High places in government like steep rocks only accessible to eagles a...
Campaign satire predicting Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison's ascendancy over Democrat Martin Van Buren. In the center of the print is a mountain with a statue of George Washington, "Pater Pat... More
General Jackson slaying the many headed monster
A satire on Andrew Jackson's campaign to destroy the Bank of the United States and its support among state banks. Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and Jack Downing struggle against a snake with heads representing the... More
A gone case. A scene in Wall-Street
A comic scene representing two New York city political factions, the Whigs and the radical Democrats (or "Loco Focos"), as scuffling newsboys. The scene takes place before the half-built Customs House, where se... More
Set-to between the champion old tip & the swell Dutcheman of Kinderhoo...
Satire on the presidential campaign of 1836, portraying the contest as a boxing match between Democratic candidate Martin Van Buren and Whig candidate William Henry Harrison. The artist clearly favors Harrison.... More
On the way to Araby! - Political cartoon, public domain image
Satire on the Jackson administration's continuing battle against the Bank of the United States. The print was specifically occasioned by the re-chartering of the Bank by the Whig-controlled Pennsylvania Legisla... More
New edition of MacBeth. Bank-oh's! Ghost
Another satire on the Panic of 1837, again condemning Van Buren's continuation of predecessor Andrew Jackson's hard-money policies as the source of the crisis. Clay shows the president haunted by the ghost of C... More
Fifty cents. Shin plaster - Public domain scan / drawing
Another mock shinplaster (see also nos. 1837-9 and -10 above). Again the artist attributes the shortage of hard money to the successive monetary programs of presidents Jackson and Van Buren, particularly to the... More
Whig bazaar - Political cartoon, public domain image
Publd. by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St. N-York. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837 by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern Distr... More
Settin' on a rail - Public domain book illustration, Library of Congre...
A satire, probably issued during August or September 1837, on the tug-of-war for influence on the President between Jacksonian Democrats and the "soft money" or conservative elements of the party. Here the arti... More
Uncle Sam sick with la grippe - Drawing. Public domain image.
A satire attributing the dire fiscal straits of the nation to Andrew Jackson's banking policies, with specific reference to recent bank failures in New Orleans, New York, and Philadelphia. The artist blames th... More
A dialogue between two well known characters
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1837, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States of the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Robins... More
The would-be mayor preparing to quell a riot
A disparaging portrayal of New York Tammany Democrats and their candidate for mayor in the April 1837 municipal elections. Here the angular, aristocratic candidate John J. Morgan presents a striking contrast to... More
Treasury note, Washington, D.C., Political Cartoon
A parody of the often worthless fractional currencies or "shinplasters" issued by banks, businesses, and municipalities in lieu of coin. These fractional notes proliferated during the Panic of 1837 with the eme... More
Who'll have the specie - Victorian era public domain image
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, of the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Robi... More
Going the whole hog - Public domain book illustration
Martin Van Buren's New York political favorites are represented as piglets suckled by a giant sow "The Empire State." The artist's pointed reference is to the exploitation of New York State by the President and... More
Disturbing a martin's nest - Public domain portrait painting
A satire on the Van Buren administration's involvement in New York State politics. Although the precise context of the cartoon is unclear, specific reference is made to Van Buren's alliance with postmaster gene... More
A peep into futurity, or a picture of 1841
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838 by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the U.S. for the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, 52 C... More
An exploring expedition on the Canal Street plan / The exploring exped...
Print satirizes Charles Wilkes' United States Exploring Expedition, which left in August 1838. The upper left vignette shows Wilkes in a rowboat with scientists who use a transit or telescope to see fauna. The ... More
The Majestic and Graceful Giraffes, or Cameleopards, with some Rare An...
Public domain scan of 19th-19th century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Loco Foco scramble for collectors licenses
Democratic patronage in New York is parodied in a scene of Loco Foco drivers or carmen rushing for cab licenses distributed by recently appointed collector of the port, Democratic stalwart Jesse Hoyt. Hoyt repl... More
The globe man listening to Webster's speech, on the specie circular
A small, bust-length caricature of Washington "Globe" editor and Van Buren adviser Francis Preston Blair. The print was probably issued in the spring of 1838. In May of that year the Specie Circular, an extreme... More
Executive mercy/Marcy and the Bambers
An attack on New York governor William L. Marcy's controversial decision to surrender Irish fugitives John Bamber, Sr., and his son James to the British consul after their detention in New York. The Bambers, wa... More
Loco Foco persecution, or custom house, versus caricatures
A satire on the publisher's own troubles with the Democratic establishment in New York. In his print shop Henry R. Robinson is confronted by an unidentified man (center, arms crossed) who says, "I am determined... More
The three mares/mayors, New York course, spring races, 1838
A satire on the 1838 New York mayoralty contest, here shown as a horse race between (left to right) Whig candidate Aaron Clark, Democrat Richard Riker, and Loco Foco Democrat Isaac L. Varian. Clark is clearly i... More
All on Hobbies, Gee Up, Gee Ho!
Public domain scan of American 19th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Sub-treasury system, or Office holders elysium
Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt St., 11 1/2 Wall Street. & 38 Chatham Strt. N.Y. Title appears as it is written on the item. Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Sub treasurers meeting in England, Political Cartoon
A satire on corruption among Tammany officeholders in New York, showing absconded former Collector of the Port Samuel Swartwout and federal District Attorney William M. Price in London. The massive fraud and em... More
"Sober second thought". Book illustration from Library of Congress
Another of HD's portrayals of the New York tradesman's "sober second thoughts" about his support of Democratic hard-money fiscal policies. (See also "Specie Claws," no. 1838-14.) Both prints touch upon the the ... More
Sub treasurers taking long steps, or The magician broke down
Entered according to Act of Congress, in 1838 by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the U.S. for the Southern District of N.Y. Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, 52 Cortlandt & 11 ... More
The globe-man after hearing of the vote on the Sub-Treasury bill
Evidently a companion to "The Globe Man Listening to Webster's speech on the Specie Circular" (no. 1838-3), the small, bust-length caricature of Democratic editor Francis Preston Blair shows him looking even m... More
Loco Foco expresses. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A commentary on the Whigs' disappointment of "Loco Foco" Democratic expectations in the New York municipal elections of spring 1838. Successful Whig mayoral candidate Aaron Clark holds two horses by their tails... More
Machines for the new pay-tent office
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1838, by H.R. Robinson, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. Printed & published by H.R. Rob... More
Symptoms of a duel - Public domain portrait drawing
The second of two particularly well-drawn caricatures by the same artist, on the subject of the 1839 congressional probe of Van Buren's Treasury Department. (See above, nos. 1839-6 through -9.) The inquiry was ... More
Seventh Ward Beggars - Public domain dedication. Metropolitan Museum o...
Public domain scan - 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
The cut direct. Or a scene in high life at Saratoga Springs
One of two prints by "HD" (identified by Weitenkampf and others tentatively as Henry Dacre) based on incidents during President Van Buren's visit to the resort at Saratoga Springs, New York, during the summer o... More
Abolition frowned down. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A satire on enforcement of the "gag-rule" in the House of Representatives, prohibiting discussion of the question of slavery. Growing antislavery sentiment in the North coincided with increased resentment by so... More
Professor Wise, performing a surgical operation in Congress Hall
Representative Henry A. Wise, vociferous opponent of the Van Buren administration, is portrayed as a surgeon, operating on Treasury Secretary Levi Woodbury. The satire refers to the cross-examination of Woodbur... More
Seventh ward beggars - Political cartoon, public domain image
Print shows President Andrew Jackson holding a kingly scepter and a bag containing $100,000. He sits upon bundles, presumably containing money, labeled "Surplus Fund". Two bankers kiss his feet, while several o... More
A bull chase. The words of the wise, are as goads
Another satire on the special committee of the House of Representatives investigating Van Buren's Treasury Department. The committee, chaired by James Harlan but dominated by Henry A. Wise of Virginia, centered... More
June bugs squirting. Book illustration from Library of Congress
Tammany Hall's political manipulation of the New York Fire Department is the artist's obvious target here, although the print's precise meaning is unclear. The frame of reference may be the creation, in 1839, ... More
A Select Committee of Enquiry hard at work
A swipe at the integrity of the House of Representatives committee investigating the Swartwout scandal under Van Buren's administration (see "Price Current" and "Sub Treasurers Meeting in England," nos. 1838-21... More
Called to account, Washington, D.C., Political Cartoon
Once more the House of Representatives investigation of Treasury practices under the Van Buren administration in connection with the Swartwout embezzlement scandal. (See above nos. 1839-6 through -9.) The print... More
The man wot pays no postage - Public domain book illustration, Library...
The man "wot pays no postage" here is Van Buren ally and publicist Amos Kendall. The profits and influence Kendall derived from publication of the administration organ the "Extra Globe" were no doubt increased ... More
The last card. Tip overthrown - Public domain book illustration
A satire on the controversy surrounding charges of election fraud against New York State tobacco inspector James B. Glentworth and other Whigs during the election of 1838. The allegations were made two years l... More
Caricature, An interesting family, public domain cartoon image
A caricature of Martin Van Buren as an opossum. The marsupial, with a smirking Van Buren's head, rises on its hindquarters and displays in its pouch three of its "young." They are administration insiders (left... More
Evenhanded justice of the breaking up of the star chamber
Another in the series of "Spoodlyks's" satires on the Glentworth affair. (See also nos. 1840-60, -61, and -63). Here the artist portrays Glentworth's attempt to remove evidence in the vote fraud inquiry from t... More
O.K. - Political cartoon, public domain image
A postelection Whig satire, "Respectfully dedicated to the members of the Eighth Ward Tippecanoe Club and inscribed to their Patriotic Chairman Charles H. Delavan, Esqr." The artist shows a crowd of Whigs assem... More
The new era Whig trap sprung - Public domain scan / drawing
Democratic efforts to reelect Martin Van Buren are portrayed as hopeless in the face of broad popular support for Whig candidate William Henry Harrison. Here one of Harrison's campaign emblems, a log cabin, is ... More
The new era or the effects of a standing army
A condemnation of a Van Buren administration plan, put forward by Secretary of War Joel Poinsett, to reform the militia system through creation of a reserve force under regular army officers. The idea was attac... More
A globe to live on! - Public domain book illustration, Library of Cong...
Prominent Democratic party publicists Francis Preston Blair and Amos Kendall are portrayed as Siamese twins, joined at the mid-section, and standing on a large globe. Blair (left) was the influential editor of ... More
Loco Foco and nulification nuptials, Political Cartoon
A satire on the surprising alliance, forged early in the presidential campaign of 1840, between the Van Buren administration and southern or "nullification" Whigs in the circle of John Calhoun. At left editor ... More
Loco Foco consternation or the orful kat-ass-trophe
Another satire on the Glentworth scandal controversy, by the same artist as "The Last Card," "Evenhanded Justice," and "O. K." (nos. 1840-60, -62, and -63). Here the artist lampoons Democratic efforts to sensat... More
Expansion & contraction. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A ludicrous contrast of two influential Democrats, the obese Alabama Representative Dixon Hall Lewis and gaunt "Globe" editor Francis Preston Blair. The artist comments upon the unlikely alliance established in... More
Democratic simplicity or the arrival of our favourite son
A satirical attack on alleged excesses in the Van Buren administration and on the President's Loco Foco or radical Democratic supporters in New York. Martin Van Buren rides past New York's Tammany Hall in a lu... More
The North Bend farmer and his visitors
A slanderous portrayal of Democratic tactics against Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison. The supposedly insidious and high-living Van Buren and his minions suffer by comparison to the Whig cand... More
A bivouack in safety or Florida troops preventing a surprise
Another parody of Van Buren administration efforts to end the long and costly Second Seminole War in Florida. The War Department was regularly subjected to public and congressional attacks for cruelty, waste, a... More
Clar de kitchen. Book illustration from Library of Congress
Another Whig campaign satire, picturing incumbent Martin Van Buren and his Democratic advisers or "Kitchen Cabinet" routed by Whig candidate William Henry Harrison. In a domestic kitchen Harrison, dressed as a ... More
Rats quitting the ship - Public domain book illustration, Library of C...
Postmaster general Amos Kendall's 1840 resignation prompted the artist's speculation on the desertion of other Van Buren cabinet members. Kendall resigned on May 16, to concentrate on editing the "Extra Globe,"... More
The shipwreck. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A Whig vision of the rout of Van Buren in the presidential election of 1840. In a stormy sea Van Buren grasps the mast (labeled "Maine") of a foundering vessel "O.K." (the initials for "Old Kinderhook," a Van ... More
The Secretary of War presenting a stand of colours to the 1st Regiment...
A bitter vilification of the Van Buren administration's use of bloodhounds to hunt fugitive Indians during the Second Seminole War in Florida. The artist condemns the racism and inhumanity of the measure, as w... More
Black C.C. or the three Judas's
The cartoon pertains to some instance of corruption in the Van Buren administration. Van Buren shovels coins from a great pile into a bag held by a man (probably a federal judge), who urges him, "Matty fill up... More
A political movement. Book illustration from Library of Congress
The artist forecasts with obvious relish the ouster of Van Buren and his cronies from office by William Henry Harrison. Van Buren is shown leaving Washington in a large cart drawn by supporters (left to right) ... More
Granny Harrison delivering the country of the executive Federalist
A satire on the Van Buren administration challenged by Whig presidential candidate William Henry Harrison. Harrison, dressed as a woman, tries to remove Van Buren from his throne with a midwife's forceps. Van... More
Fanny Ellsler's last seranade or the soap-locks disgraceful attack upo...
A riot scene: German parade musicians (possibly accompanying touring ballerina Fanny Elssler) are attacked and beaten with their own instruments by a gang of toughs (or "Soap-Locks" for the long, soaped hair lo... More
Full tilt for the Capitol - Public domain book illustration
The artist envisions public repudiation of Democratic hard-money policies, and the triumph of administration opponent Nathaniel P. Tallmadge, a conservative Democrat. Tallmadge, on horseback and armed with a l... More
The mountain in labor - Public domain book illustration, Library of Co...
The artist employs Aesop's fable about the mountain which was said to be in labor, its dreadful groans attracting expectant crowds only to be disappointed when it issued forth a small mouse. Here the mountain i... More
O'Connell's call and Pat's reply, Political Cartoon
A condemnation of Daniel O'Connell's agitation of Irish immigrants in the United States against slavery. The artist, certainly E.W. Clay, presents a loaded contrast between turbulent conditions in Ireland and t... More
Mose, Lize & Little Mose Going to California
Public domain photograph of 19th century California, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Governors race in New Jersey. Young Hyson riding over the backs of the...
A satire on the New Jersey gubernatorial campaign of 1844, centering on a major issue of the race--extension of the Camden and Amboy Railroad. The Whig candidate, New Jersey native Charles C. Stratton, campaign... More
Weighed & found wanting, or the effects of a summer's ramble
Possibly by Henry Dacre. Printed & published by H.R. Robinson, no. 52 Cortlandt St. N.Y. Signed in plate: HD. Title appears as it is written on the item. Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Lib... More
Political Jesuitism--or interest versus principle
A virulent attack on Vice-President George M. Dallas, charging the former Pennsylvania attorney and senator with duplicity in his stand on the tariff of 1846. "Jesuitism" was a strong contemporary term for dece... More
Funeral obsequies of free-trade, Political Cartoon
A gloomy view of the effects of the Polk administration's Tariff of 1846. The artist echoes Whig condemnation of the measure as adverse to American trade. A funeral cortege, composed of administration supporter... More
The bandits bride vide Herald May 5th 1847
Lith. & pub. by H.R. Robinson 142 Nassau St. N. York. Title appears as it is written on the item. Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
The organ kicked out - Public domain book illustration, Library of Con...
The Senate's February 1847 resolution barring reporters and editors of the "Washington Union" from the Senate floor and gallery was the basis for the artist's demeaning portrayal of the newspaper's powerful edi... More
Cass & his cabinet in 1849 - Political cartoon, public domain image
The satire imputes to the Democrats of 1848, led by candidate Lewis Cass, the corrupt practices of the Van Buren-era party. The artist also criticizes Whig repudiation of stalwart party leader Henry Clay in fav... More
The strife, between an old hunker, a barnburner and a no party man
A particularly well-drawn satire on the three major presidential contenders for 1848, (left to right) Zachary Taylor, Martin Van Buren and Lewis Cass. Of the three the artist seems to favor Van Buren, the "Barn... More
The candidate of many parties. A phrenological examination to ascertai...
Whig nominee Zachary Taylor's reluctance to clearly declare his political views was an issue eagerly exploited by the opposition in the 1848 campaign. Here the artist shows phrenologist Orson S. Fowler probing... More
The assassination of the Sage of Ashland
The artist conveys some of the profound disappointment and anger among Henry Clay's many supporters at the nomination of Zachary Taylor at the June 1848 Whig convention in Philadelphia. The convention's act was... More
Coming to terms!. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A gently satirical commentary on Zachary Taylor's bid for the presidency. In a small office Taylor, hat in hand, is interviewed by a young Brother Jonathan, who sits in a rocking chair with his legs propped up ... More
The day after the fair - Public domain book illustration, Library of C...
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 Ho... More
The available party trying to get their villany endorsed by the every ...
Again partisan bitterness, over the perceived Whig betrayal of Henry Clay's hopes for the presidential nomination and over subsequent efforts to obtain Clay's endorsement of Zachary Taylor's candidacy, is vente... More
"Misery acquaints a man with strange bed-fellows"
A satire on the unlikely alliance of rival editors Horace Greeley and James Watson Webb in support of Zachary Taylor for the presidency in 1848. Unlike Webb, one of Taylor's earliest and most enthusiastic New Y... More
Grand Presidential sweep-stakes for 1849
The Free Soil sympathies of the cartoonist are evident in his portrayal of the 1848 presidential contest as a race between the three major candidates. The contenders are on the course. Whig candidate Zachary T... More
Political guillotine. Book illustration from Library of Congress
A cryptic satire critical of Lewis Cass and incumbent President James K. Polk. The work probably appeared prior to the Whig national convention (June 9-10), since reference is made to a Clay-Fillmore ticket. (T... More
H.R. Robinson, 52 Courtland St. Caricatures & prints
A tradecard or printed signboard for caricature publisher Henry R. Robinson. The image of an eighteenth-century wig is surely a pun on Robinson's Whig political alignment. The print must have been produced betw... More
Town & country making another drive at the great question.--No go!!
A mild reproof of Zachary Taylor's evasion of the slavery question in the campaign of 1848. Although Taylor's views were widely broadcast in the form of published letters, his stand on the main issue--the Wilmo... More
The meeting at Saratoga. "Like boxers thus before the fight, their ha...
The second of two prints by "HD" portraying scenes from President Van Buren's visit to the resort at Saratoga Springs, New York, during the summer of 1839. (See also "The Cut Direct," no. 1839-3.) The satire co... More
The meeting at Saratoga. "Like boxers thus before the fight, their ha...
The second of two prints by "HD" portraying scenes from President Van Buren's visit to the resort at Saratoga Springs, New York, during the summer of 1839. (See also "The Cut Direct," no. 1839-3.) The satire co... More
Rigging House motif
The Rigging House, 120 William Street in New York City. Cropped and retouched from 1846 lithograph.
The Rigging House 00264
The Rigging House, 120 William Street in New York City. Public domain photograph - New York City, downtown, United States, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Political race course - Union Track - fall races 1836
A figurative portrayal -- clearly sympathetic to the Whig party -- of the 1836 presidential election contest as a horse race between four candidates. The four are identified in the legend as (left to right): "O... More