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How Free Ballot is Protected political cartoon, 1864
This political cartoon shows black and white soldiers facing off at the ballot box during the presidential election of 1864, which pitted George McClellan against Abraham Lincoln. At right, a white army veteran in uniform holds a ballot with "McClellan" written on it. His right leg and lef...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Collection: | Historical Society of Pennsylvania cartoons and caricatures collection (#3133) |
| Date: | 1864 |
| Alternate Date: | 1864 |
| Dimensions: | 32 x 24 cm |
| Extent: | 1 loose sheet |
| Box Number: | Box 5 |
| Folder Number: | Folder 8 |
| Format: | Electronic |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Unknown
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| Subjects and Genres: | |
| Copyright: | Please contact Historical Society of Pennsylvania Rights and Reproductions (rnr@hsp.org) |
| Online Access: | https://digitallibrary.hsp.org/index.php/Detail/objects/11752 |
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| Summary: |
This political cartoon shows black and white soldiers facing off at the ballot box during the presidential election of 1864, which pitted George McClellan against Abraham Lincoln. At right, a white army veteran in uniform holds a ballot with "McClellan" written on it. His right leg and left arm have been amputated, he supports himself using a crutch, and he wears an patch over his left eye. He is prevented from casting his vote by a black soldier, at left, who points a bayonet at him, accusing him of being a "Copperhead traitor" and telling him he can't cast a ballot for anyone other than Lincoln. The black soldier is presumably a member of a regiment of the recently formed United States Colored Troops and is depicted using many negative stereotypes: his facial features are exaggerated, he speaks with a strong accent, he wears ragged clothing, and he has a flask of whiskey hanging from his belt. Behind the two men is a desk with two ballot boxes: the one guarded by the black soldier presumably holds votes for McClellan and is filled with ballots; the other, presumably holding votes for Lincoln, appears empty. Behind the desk, two election officials talk to one another. The first official, a white man wearing glasses, expresses concern that there will be trouble if the white soldier is not allowed to vote. The second official, a white, heavy-set man with a moustache, tells him to "turn around" and "pretend you see nothing." |
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