Paying the Forfeit

PrinterPrinted by Kellogg & Hanmer (American, 1844 - 1845)

PublisherPublished by Kellogg & Hanmer (American, 1844 - 1845)

Date1844-1845

MediumLithography; printer's ink on wove paper mounted on board

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 15 3/16 x 11 7/8in. (38.6 x 30.2cm)
Sheet (height x width): 17 3/4 x 13 7/16in. (45.1 x 34.1cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Samuel St. John Morgan

DescriptionA political cartoon, possibly relating to the election of James K. Polk and George Mifflin Dallas as President and Vice President of the United States in 1844. A flag at the top of a tall pole reads "Polk & Dallas"; a fat raccoon is at the top, holding on to a few small branches. The raccoon says: "Advance and give / the Countersign." Men and women stand watching a man climb the pole. He says: "But, this is hard, 'tis very hard, much like / the pound of flesh, - Well, take the pound / but nothing more." and "Yes, twas agreed, and here you see / that I fulfill, and climb the tree, / most cheerfully." A man on the ground says: "Ha! Ha! Ha!! most cheerfully. / I guess it is most cheerfully." A man with a boy holding a hoop stands in front of a building with a sign that reads: "Middlesex County Bank". He says: "It does us good - and we are / glad dear Sir, to know that / ye're not so very sad." A third man, who wears an apron and may be the Blacksmith referred to in the title says: "I would not have / Brother Chip fall / for half a dollar!!" A woman in a bonnet says: "Oh! dear, law-ful-suz / do see Squire / Climb-Max!!!" A man with an umbrella at the door of a building with a sign that reads: "Sublime / Tabernacle" says: "Who climbs there?" A man smoking a cigar replies: "It is our Friend / Climb-Max." A woman [?] says: "It will be some time. before / Climb-Max has an interview / with his friend and companion." A man at the far right thumbs his nose in an obscene gesture and says: "You can't come it / my Cooney." A notice on the ground near a man holding a cane and two sticks reads: "The one who loses / the bet, doth hereby / agree to climb the Hickory." Three dogs run in the street. The sun and moon, both with smiling faces, are in the sky, near sketches of two buildings, one of which has a sign that reads: "5 Miles / to / Coonsbury".

Object number1950.83.0

NotesSubject Note: James K. Polk (1795-1849) and George Mifflin Dallas (1792-1864) were elected President and Vice President of the United States in 1844. They served from 1845 to 1849.

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