Jump to navigation
Main menu
LCP Home
Search
Search Library Catalog
Search Digital Collections
How to Search the Collections
Access Terms Used in Our Catalogs
Finding Aids
Explore
Browse Collections
LCP News
Social Media
Exhibitions
Podcast
Academic Programs
Overview
Fellowships
Innovation Award
Biennial First Book Award
Seminars
Program in African American History
Program in Early American Economy and Society
The Davida T. Deutsch Program in Women’s History
Visual Culture Program
Research
Overview
Subject Guides
Finding Aids
Online Exhibitions
Bookbinding Research
Using the Library
Overview
Hours, Access, & Location
Rights & Reproductions
How to Search Collections
Potentially Harmful Materials and Descriptions Statement
Online Resources
Events
Upcoming Events
Seminars
LCP News
LCP Press Resources
Projects
Beyond Glass Cases
Library Company Papers Project
Hearing Voices
Imperfect History
Fireside Chats
Support the Library
Overview
Donate Online!
Join & Renew Membership Online
Support: Shareholding
Lecture in Honor of John C. Van Horne
Membership Benefits
Planned Giving
Annual Dinner
Junto
About LCP
Annual Reports
Staff
Board of Trustees
Employment
Affiliations
LCP Blog
Press Resources
LCP Privacy Policy
Overview and History
LCP FAQ Sheet
Much ado about nothing or a militia court-martial!! [graphic].
You are here
Browse Collections
›
Political Cartoons Collection
Back to top
Details
Creator
Johnston, David Claypoole, 1799-1865, artist.
Contributor
Kimball, publisher.
Title
Much ado about nothing or a militia court-martial!! [graphic].
Publisher
Boston : Kimball, 18 Washington St
Publisher
MASS. Boston. 1835
Date
[between 1832 and 1835]
Physical Description
1 print : lithograph ; sheet 29 x 38 cm (11 x 15 in.)
Description
Spoof on the decadence and pretensions of the American local militiamen of the Jacksonian era showing a courtmartial of a militiaman. Several white officers sit around a table, many dozing, others commenting on the trial's length, stipend, and eventual outcome. Behind them rest oversize militia hats and a sword inscribed in Latin, "Guided by Patriotism." Two African American men, portrayed in racist caricature and speaking in the vernacular, presume that the officer holding the "List of Witnesses" and who is inquiring about the defendant’s profession "...mus be Col. Pluck or some sich great man." The defendant claims that he is "a self taught gentleman" who "showed considerable genius for this profession." Col. Pluck was an illiterate hostler elected colonel of the 84th Pennsylvania militia in a controversial election in 1824.
Is referenced by
Weitenkampf, p. 39
Reilly, 1832-3
Notes
Title from item.
Artist supplied by Reilly.
Possible publication date supplied by Weitenkampf.
Purchase 1970.
RVCDC
Description revised 2021.
Access points revised 2021.
Part of digital collections catalog through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services as administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education through the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Tom Corbett, Governor, 2013-2014.
Biographical / historical note
Johnston, known as the American Cruikshank, was a respected comic illustrator, engraver, and lithographer.
Subject
Pluck, Johnathan.
African American men -- Caricatures and cartoons.
Courts-martial and courts of inquiry -- United States.
Militias -- United States
Racism in popular culture.
Genre
Lithographs -- 1830-1840.
Political cartoons -- 1830-1840.
Printer
Kimball, publisher.
Location
Library Company of Philadelphia| Print Department| Political Cartoons - 1832-3 [7876.F]
Accession number
7876.F
In Collections
Political Cartoons Collection
African American History Political Cartoons
Log In