"Taking the Stump, or Stephen in Search of His Mother," Printed Political Cartoon. New York: Currier & Ives, 1860. 1 p., 17 x 13 1/2 in. This Currier & Ives political cartoon depicts Stephen A. Douglas, hat in hand, wearing a wooden leg and saying, "Gentlemen 'I'm going to see my mother,' and solicit a little help, for in running after a nomination, I fell over a big lump of Breckenridge, and have been very lame ever since." Democratic Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise responds, "He looks like a smart little man, and if I were not Wise, I'd go my pile on him." Behind Wise, Constitutional Union Party candidate John Bell says, "I think I'll give him a trifle in New York currency." In the background to the right, Southern Democratic candidate John C. Breckinridge stands with a cane and bandaged foot, and President James Buchanan offers him a wooden leg as well, saying, "Here, Breck, as Dug has taken the stump, you must stump it too." Breckinridge replies, "Well old Buck, if you say so, I suppose I must, but I know it will be of no use, for I feel that I haven't got a leg to stand on." Meanwhile, Abraham Lincoln leans against a rail fence at the far right and says, "Go it ye cripples! wooden legs are cheap, but stumping wont save you." Historical BackgroundInitially, after receiving the Democratic nomination, Douglas declared he would not campaign, as was the tradition for presidential candidates. This cartoon's title is based on a trip Douglas took ostensibly to visit his elderly mother in northern New York and places from his childhood in Vermont. When the trip took a month and he never reached his mother, it became clear it was really a campaign trip, with Douglas often speaking several times a day, though he claimed to be "speaking a little just for exercise."His prospects in New England were slim, but supporters convinced him he might carry most of the states, except Massachusetts. In August, he made a special whirlwind tour of Maine. However, in statewide elections there in September, voters gave Republicans almost total victory: 159 of 182 state legislative seats, all six Congressional seats, and the governorship. Two months later, in the national election, Maine gave 62.2 percent of its votes to Lincoln and only 29.4 percent to Douglas.A follow-up cartoon entitled "Stephen Finding 'His Mother'" portrays Columbia whipping Douglas for dividing Democrats and bringing scorn from Republicans.American lithographer Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888) and his partner since 1857 James Ives (1824-1895) published this cartoon, probably drawn by lithographer Louis Maurer (1832-1932), whom they employed from 1852 to 1860.Condition: Verso has evidence of glue at each corner, and some residue bleeds through slightly to form whitish blemishes on the front corners. Seller Inventory # 27253

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Bibliographic Details

Title: Currier & Ives Cartoon Mocks Stephen Douglas...

Publisher: New York, N.Y.

Publication Date: 1860

Binding: No binding

Condition: Very Good

Book Type: Print

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About the Seller Since 1988, I have been the largest buyer of important content American historic documents. Thousands of documents I have handled are in museum collections, including the Emancipation Proclamation and 13th Amendments acquired for the Lincoln Museum of Fort Wayne, Indiana, now on display in the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. I am a member of the Board of Trustees of the Manuscript Society, and a member of the ABAA. References are available upon request. Starting Your Own Collection We have the expertise necessary to acquire individual items, or build a personalized collection for you. We can inspire you by creating a unique link to the historical figures, events or ideas that inspire you. Seth Kaller Inc. can handle or coordinate each aspect of the process such as: Pre-acquisition research, Physical inspection and purchasing, Auction representation, Authentication, Inventory and accounting reports, Conservation, Framing and display, and Collection management. Museum Quality\Private Ownership Most people know that markets exist for Impressionist paintings, fine English antiques, or rare coins. However, the field of historic documents has long been quietly dominated by a select few: J.P. Morgan, Henry Huntington, Malcolm Forbes. This is changing as more collectors discover the satisfaction of a personal, unique connection with history. Achieve Immortality! Become associated with your favorite museum, library, university or historical society. Important properties can be loaned for exhibition, placed on deposit or donated outright, to insure their survival for generations to come. We can handle all the arrangements for you, including working with tax attorneys and accountants, and coordinating insurance, transit, and proper acknowledgment.

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