19th century, politics and government

Stele for the Confucius Temple - Public domain dedication image

Public domain photograph of Asain artwork, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Brilliants, 19th century, Thomas Rowlandson. Georgian era 1714 - 1...

Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London) Thomas Rowlandson - English caricaturist of the 18th and early 19th centuries Britain, known for his humor, caricatures, satirical drawings, and watercolors... More

Public School, 19th century, Thomas Rowlandson. Georgian era 1714 - 17...

Thomas Rowlandson (British, London 1757–1827 London) Thomas Rowlandson - English caricaturist of the 18th and early 19th centuries Britain, known for his humor, caricatures, satirical drawings, and watercolors... More

Sir James Thornhill - House of Commons - Sir Robert Walpole's Administ...

Anthony Fogg (British, active 1792–1806) Public domain photograph of an official meeting, group of people, managers, directors, discussion, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Bambridge on Trial for Murder by a Committee of the House of Commons

Thomas Cook (British, 1744?–1818) Public domain scan of British 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Public domain scan of 18th-century print, free to use, no ... More

Court of Common Pleas, Westminster Hall (Microcosm of London, plate 23...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a jury, political committee, politics, and government, no copyright restrictions. Thomas Rowlandson - English caricaturist of the 18th and early 19th centuries B... More

The College of Physicians (Microcosm of London, plate 20). Georgian er...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a group of people, United States politics, free to use, no copyright restrictions. Thomas Rowlandson - English caricaturist of the 18th and early 19th centuries Brita... More

The freedom of election or hunt-ing for popularity and plumpers for Ma...

Print shows two candidates in the Westminster election, Henry Hunt and Murray Maxwell, addressing a crowd (Source: George) Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires preserved in the Department of Prints and D... More

The Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

Asher Brown Durand (American, Jefferson, New Jersey 1796–1886 Maplewood, New Jersey)

The reading of a will / engraved by John Burnet ; painted by David Wil...

Public domain image of painting, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description

Gruppenbild Sieben Gelehrte aus Berlin, Tafel I

Lithograph: Schoppe, Julius (der Ältere) Verleger: Gropius, Georg Public domain photograph - group portrait, 19th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

The Geological Lecture Room, Oxford: Dr. William Buckland Lecturing on...

Nathaniel Whittock (British, London 1791–1860) Public domain scan of British 18th-century print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Public domain scan of 18th-century print, fre... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 6: Notes, circa 1831-1847; Subject file; ...

Letter from James F. Otis, Portland, [Maine] , to William Lloyd Garris...

James Frederick Otis writes to William Lloyd Garrison wishing him success on his trip to England, calling it "a pious undertaking." Otis states that "overseas they are in all the agitation of a popular reform" ... More

Le ventre législatif: Aspect des bancs ministériels de la chambre imp...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a jury, political committee, politics, and government, no copyright restrictions.

Martin Van Buren Papers: Series 3, Additional Correspondence, 1811-185...

Grand match between the Kinderhook poney and the Ohio ploughman

A satire on the presidential contest of 1836, using the metaphor of a billiards game between Whig candidate William Henry Harrison (left) and Democrat Martin Van Buren. The artist is clearly on the side of Harr... 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

Triumphal procession of the eagle and other birds, at the April electi...

A parade of jubilant New York City Whigs, led by successful mayoral candidate Aaron Clark (at right, with walking stick). Clark, who defeated Tammany candidate John J. Morgan in the Spring election, walks arm-i... More

The death of old Tammany and his wife Loco Foco

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 Tam... 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

Gov. Morton's grand march - Lithograph, public domain, Library of Cong...

An allegorical design on the cover of a piano-music composition dedicated to the newly elected Democratic governor of Massachusetts, Marcus Morton. The illustration's central motif is based on the state seal, s... More

Animal magnetism - A cartoon of a man sitting in a chair talking to an...

A swipe at President Van Buren's independent treasury system and his continuation of the monetary policies of predecessor Andrew Jackson. The artist, clearly in sympathy with the Whigs, links corruption in the ... More

[Unidentified man, friend of Clara Barton, head-and-shoulders portrait...

Photographer unidentified. Case: variant of Rinhart 123. Accompanying label: Unidentified friend of C.B. Accompanying lock of hair. Was part of LOT 8492. Transfer; Manuscript Division; 1959. Forms part of: Clar... 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

North Bend game cock - Political cartoon, public domain image

A Whig campaign print glorifying presidential candidate William Henry Harrison. The title derives from the candidate's farm on the North Bend of the Ohio River. The game cock has a dual significance: as an all... More

General William H. Harrison of Tippecanoe, Fort Meigs and the Thames /...

Print shows presidential candidate William Henry Harrison as a military leader in dress uniform holding his sword. A laurel wreath below his portrait names him as a hero of War of 1812 battles. This portrait wa... More

The death of locofocoism - Political cartoon, public domain image

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... More

Martin Van Buren Papers: Series 3, Additional Correspondence, 1811-185...

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

Letter from Isaac Richmond Barbour, Oxford [Mass.], to Amos Augustus P...

Isaac R. Barbour writes to Amos A. Phelps and discusses various candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Courtesy of Boston Public Library

The presidents of the United States

Public domain photograph of ornamental engraving print, decor, decorated panel, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to George William...

Martin Van Buren Papers: Series 3, Additional Correspondence, 1811-185...

Trouble in the Spartan ranks. Old Durham in the field

A complex and somewhat obscure satire celebrating the defeat of Dorrite Democrats in the Rhode Island state elections of spring 1843. The canvass was held the year following the successful suppression of the Do... More

David Octavius Hill - Presbytery of Dundee

Picryl description: Public domain image of composite portrait page, or group portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions David Octavius Hill was a Scottish painter and photographer. He was a pioneer of ph... More

Race between Bennett and Greely for the Post Office stakes

A satire on the competition between rival editors Horace Greeley and James Gordon Bennett for New York post office printing contracts. The artist also comments on the circulation wars between Bennett's "New Yor... More

David Octavius Hill - Presbytery of Dumbarton

Picryl description: Public domain photograph group portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions. David Octavius Hill was a Scottish painter and photographer. He was a pioneer of photography in Scotland and... More

Prof. Fraser, Rev. Welsh, Rev. Hamilton, and Three Other Men

Picryl description: Public domain image of a group of people, United States politics, free to use, no copyright restrictions. David Octavius Hill was a Scottish painter and photographer. He was a pioneer of ph... More

Prof. Fraser, Rev. Welsh, Rev. Hamilton, and Three Other Men

Picryl description: Public domain image of a group of people, United States politics, free to use, no copyright restrictions. David Octavius Hill was a Scottish painter and photographer. He was a pioneer of ph... More

Treeing coons - Political cartoon, public domain image

One of the few satires sympathetic to the Democrats to appear during the 1844 presidential contest. Democratic presidential nominee James Polk is portrayed as a buckskinned hunter who has treed "coons" Henry Cl... More

The two bridges - Political cartoon, public domain image

As in "Texas Coming In" (no. 1844-28), a bridge over Salt River is the central motif, making the difference between the Whigs' successful crossing to the "Presidential Chair" and the disastrous route taken by t... More

Virtuous Harry, or set a thief to catch a thief!

A satire on the Whig party's anti-annexation platform. The question of whether or not to annex Texas was a large issue separating candidates in the 1844 campaign. Annexation's serious implications for the futur... More

The hunter of Kentucky - coin, public domain photograph

Henry Clay is the hunter, and various Democrats his quarry. Clay wears a fringed buckskin outfit and coonskin cap reminiscent of Davy Crockett and the Western characters of the contemporary stage, such as Nimro... More

[Aaron Vanderpoel, half-length portrait, three-quarters to the left, w...

Democratic Congressman from New York, 1833-1837, 1839-1841. Scratched on back of plate: 160; Judge Vanderpool. Transfer; U.S. War College; 1920. (DLC/PP-1920:46153). Forms part of: Daguerreotype collection (Lib... More

[Unidentified man, probably Thomas Wilson Dorr, head-and-shoulders por...

Alternative identifications: Hon. Edward Everett, Massachusetts (cat. 5); Prince Bonaparte. Purchase; Alice H. Cox and Mary H. Evans; 1954. Forms part of: Brady-Handy collection (Library of Congress). Forms par... More

Matty meeting the Texas question, Political Cartoon

A satire on the Democrats' approach to the delicate question of the annexation of Texas. In marked contrast to his portrayal of the issue as a beautiful woman in "Virtuous Harry" (no. 1844-27), the artist here ... More

Sale of dogs - Political cartoon, public domain image

Seeking a middle course between the issues of the annexation of Texas on one hand and abolitionism on the other, Van Buren lost the support of southern Democrats, including elderly statesman Andrew Jackson. Her... More

Patent Democratic Republican steam shaving shop

A cryptic satire possibly dealing with some facet of the 1844 presidential campaign. The print features two unsuccessful aspirants for the Democratic presidential nomination: Martin Van Buren and Richard M. Joh... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman thanking her for publishing one of his speeches at the India House. He is sending her speeches which discuss a defense of the Raja and speech arguing for a Commite... More

Artilleryist group - Mathew Brady seated on left

Photograph shows group portrait of artists who participated in the art exhibition at the Metropolitan Fair in New York City, 1864, held to support the United States Sanitary Commission, "for the relief of the s... More

The presidents of the United States

298 U.S. Copyright Office. This record contains unverified data from PGA shelflist card. Associated name on shelflist card: Baillie.

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

The patriots getting their beans, Political Cartoon

A satirical view of the scramble among newly elected President James K. Polk's 1844 campaign supporters, or "patriots," for "their beans," i.e., patronage and other official favors. Polk (upper right) sits in t... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Maria Weston Chapma...

George Thompson writes to Maria Weston Chapman regarding contributing some lines in the "L[iberty] B[ell]." He says that "Blanche" is a sister of Miss Hilditch and will contribute to the Faneuil Hall bazaar. He... More

Letter from James Haughton, Dublin, to Samuel May, 28th May, 1846

Haughton refers to his controversy with Dr. Francis Parkman in "The Inquirer." He tells May that he wishes the opponents of the temperance reforms would speak out against them. Haughton mentions "Amicus" and th... More

Letter from James Haughton, Dublin, to Samuel May, 2nd Feb[ruar]y, 184...

Haughton sends an address to May. He refers to temperance reforms and abolition of capital punishment. Haughton speaks of peace efforts between England and the United States. Richard Davis Webb writes a postscr... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Henry Clarke Wright...

George Thompson writes to Henry Clarke Wright in regards to sending Mr. Douglass a letter while he is in Liverpool. He says that he is hard at work on Indian matters and does not "lose sightings" of the Free Ch... 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

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Richard David Webb,...

George Thompson writes to Henry Clarke Wright in regards to events concerning the Raja of Saltara's case. They have induced the Government/the Queens to make "some alteration of a beneficial kind in the Rajas c... More

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], 1846 Dec[ember] 15.

George Thompson writes to unknown regarding taking upon a favor of the recipient. He writes, "It is enough to make the heart sick to find men laying claim to Christian character & principle, busied in promulgat... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 8: Miscellaneous, 1827-1884; Chronologica...

Letter from George Thompson, London, [England], to Richard David Webb,...

George Thompson writes to Richard Davis Webb in regards to giving his opinion on the Dissenters Chapel Bill. Estlin wrote him on the subject and Thompson replied which "has found its way into the Enquirer" and ... More

Mike Walsh. The people's champion and leader of the yound or progressi...

Print shows Mike Walsh, head-and-shoulders portrait, facing slightly right. Includes text listing "a few of the peculiar doctrines of which he is the father and chosen advocate"; also, a facsimile signature.

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 Democratic funeral of 1848 - Political cartoon, public domain imag...

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 ... More

James K. Polk Papers: Series 2, General Correspondence and Related Ite...

The liberty chariot - Political cartoon, public domain image

A burlesque triumphal procession representing victory for the Democratic platform in the election of 1848. In a chariot drawn by Democrats Lewis Cass and William O. Butler (shown as two horses), Uncle Sam drive... More

Whig harmony - Political cartoon, public domain image

A severe split within the Whig ranks, between partisans of Henry Clay and those of Zachary Taylor, preceded the party's convention in June 1848. Here Horace Greeley, one of Clay's most influential northern supp... More

Questioning a candidate - Political cartoon, public domain image

Zachary Taylor's stubborn resistance to declaring his views on the major political issues during his candidacy in the 1848 presidential campaign was a favorite theme of the opposition. Here Taylor, in uniform, ... More

The buffalo hunt - Drawing. Public domain image.

An optimistic view of the presidential prospects of Martin Van Buren, nominated at the Free Soil Party's August 1848 convention in Buffalo, New York. Here Van Buren rides a buffalo and thumbs his nose as he se... More

President (C)ass beginning operations, losing no time

Once again, Lewis Cass is attacked as a militaristic expansionist. (See "A War President," no. 1848-16.) His support during the 1846 Oregon boundary dispute of the expansionist 54 40' parallel and his War of 1... More

Smoking him out - Political cartoon, public domain image

A humorous commentary on Barnburner Democrat Martin Van Buren's opposition to regular Democratic party nominee Lewis Cass. Van Buren and his son John were active in the Free Soil effort to prevent the extensio... More

Shooting the Christmas turkey - Political cartoon, public domain image

While Democratic and Whig candidates debate strategies to win the presidency, or "shoot the Christmas turkey," Free Soil candidate Martin Van Buren makes off with the bird. At left Democrat Lewis Cass (facing f... More

The telegraphic candidates - Steam locomotive, Public domain image

In a race between the railroad and the telegraph the "telegraphic candidates," Lewis Cass and William O. Butler, are first to the White House. The artist ridicules Zachary Taylor for his hazy stance on major ca... More

Worrying the bull - Political cartoon, public domain image

In a ring a large bull, wearing a ribbon marked "The Rough & Ready" between its horns, faces five matadors. The bull represents Zachary Taylor, nicknamed "Old Rough and Ready." The matadors are prominent Whigs,... 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

[William Cassiday Cattell, holding large Bible, with five page boys]

Photographer unidentified. Case: curved diamond surrounded by leaves, with linked border. Accompanying note: Wm. Cassady Cattell with the page boys whom he tutored in Abermarle, Va. Transfer; Manuscript Divisio... More

Josiah Johnson Hawes - [Boston Doctors], 19th century

Picryl description: Public domain image of composite portrait page, or group portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions

[Battle scene surrounded by portraits of American presidents]

Print shows miniature portraits of John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James K. Polk, Zachary Tayl... More

The sad parting between two old friends

Senators Thomas Hart Benton and Henry S. Foote are paired here in a facetious farewell scene, as Benton departs the "Shop of the Senate." In reality Benton lost his Senate seat in a January 1851 election, large... More

Terrible rout & total destruction of the Whig Party. In Salt River

The 1852 Democratic victory under the standard of Franklin Pierce is foreseen as a debacle for the Whig party, led by Winfield Scott. Pierce (center) sits on his horse, holding aloft a banner bearing his and ru... More

A magnificent offer to a magnificent officer

A cartoon ridiculing Whig nominee Winfield Scott as the pawn of New York antislavery senator William Seward. A member of the "Whig Committee" kneels before Scott and offers him a crown and a bag of money marked... More

The game-cock & the goose - Political cartoon, public domain image

A pro-Whig cartoon showing rival candidates Winfield Scott and Franklin Pierce in a race for the presidency in 1852 before an audience of animated spectators. Scott, in uniform and looking uncharacteristically... More

Letter from William Lloyd Garrison, Boston, [Mass.], to James Miller M...

The poor soldier & his ticket for soup

The presidential aspirations of Whig general Winfield Scott during the 1852 election are again belittled. Scott, in a tattered uniform and supporting himself on a crutch, extends his feathered cap toward the fi... More

Scene in a New Hampshire court.--General Pierce examining a witness. S...

Two humorous incidents supposedly from the life of Franklin Pierce. On the left, a repartee wherein Pierce, the distinguished trial lawyer, is embarrassed by an ignorant witness. Armed with pages of notes, Pie... More

Two candidates at the door of nomination

A satire on the competition between Daniel Webster and Winfield Scott for the 1852 Whig nomination for the presidency. In the drawing, the candidates stand on opposite sides of a door, Scott on the left and Web... More

Loco Foco hunters treeing a candidate

A satire on the Democrats' or "Loco Focos'" 1852 pursuit of Franklin Pierce for the presidential nomination. At the foot of the White Mountains in the "Dismal Swamp," an immense, swampy region of North Carolina... More

Ornithology - Engraving, Public domain image, Political Cartoon

A mild election-year cartoon portraying Whig presidential candidate Winfield Scott (left) as a turkey and Democrat Franklin Pierce (right) as a gamecock. The two face each other from opposite sides of "Mason &... More

Quartette from the new opera of the "Whig celebration at Lundy's Lane....

Winfield Scott's controversial performance as commander in the War of 1812 battle at Lundy's Lane turned to account by the artist in this parody of the general's candidacy in 1852. The battle of Lundy's Lane ag... More

Harmony in the wigwam! Democracy of the right brand-y

A comic scene ridiculing the Tammany Democrats of New York City. Tammany headquarters, known as the "Wigwam," here erupts in a drunken fracas over the Democratic platform for the presidential race of 1852. The ... More

Soliciting a vote - Political cartoon, public domain image

A cynical view of party competition for the working man's vote in the presidential campaign of 1852. In a polling place, four candidates struggle to force their own election ticket on a short, uncouth-looking c... More