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Pardon and Franchise Cartoon

Description:

This early political cartoon refers to the pardons many Southern generals and politicians received. The woman, known as Columbia, symbolizes the nation. She wonders if she can trust the repentance of the South and does not understand why the African American soldier should not be trusted as well.

Led by General Robert E. Lee (kneeling), other pardon petitioners in the foreground who can be recognized include Roger Pryor (far right, a Virginia lawyer and soldier); CSA Vice President Alexander Stephens (holding pardon petition); Raphael Semmes, commander of the Alabama naval ship which was built in England, sank numerous Union merchant ships, and was the subject of a long-term post-war claims dispute between Britain and the US (left of Stephens); Robert Toombs, ex-Senator and leading Georgia politician (behind Stephens); John Letcher, ex-Governor of Virginia (far left); General Richard Ewell (behind Semmes); General John Bell Hood (behind Ewell).

Creator:

Thomas Nast for Harper's Weekly

Creation Date:

August 5, 1865

Collection Title:

Harper's Weekly

Collection Number:

051 H236, 1865

Image Number:

aug 5, 1865