Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Depicted:
Van Buren, Martin  Search this
Harrison, William Henry  Search this
Calhoun, John Caldwell  Search this
Adams, John Quincy  Search this
Benton, Thomas Hart  Search this
Clay, Henry  Search this
Webster, Daniel  Search this
Maker:
Robinson, Henry R.  Search this
Artist:
Clay, Edward Williams  Search this
Measurements:
image: 9 3/8 in x 18 in; 23.8125 cm x 45.72 cm
Object Name:
Lithograph
Object Type:
Lithograph
Place made:
United States: New York, New York City
Date made:
1838
Description (Brief):
This 1838 print features seven well known politicians riding hobby horses labeled with their favorite issues. In the front, is President Martin Van Buren riding “Sub Treasury,” followed by Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton on “Specie Currency,” and Kentucky Senator Henry Clay and Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster both on “United States’ Bank.” Following them, is South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun riding “States Rights and Nullification,” William Henry Harrison in full military dress on “Anti-Masonic,” and John Quincy Adams bringing up the rear on “Abolition.” All seven men are commenting on the advantage of the horse they are riding. Van Buren expresses his thanks for his “Old Hickory nag,” referencing his predecessor’s influence on his desire for a “Sub Treasury.” Benton, a key proponent in the passing of the Specie Circular requiring that government land be purchases with gold or silver, states, “My Golden Pony carries more weight than any of them.” Clay and Webster, both advocates for the National Bank, argue about who will get to stay on the issue, with Clay saying, “Either you or I must get off Dan, for this horse won’t carry double.” Calhoun who worked tirelessly on “States Rights and Nullification” to protect the interest of his home state of South Carolina, remarks that as long as he keeps up with “Matty” he will be fine. While Harrison was ultimately elected as a Whig, he was first nominated as a member of the Anti-Masonic Party. He says, “my nag goes at a pretty easy pace, but unless there is another Morgan abduction, I’m afraid he’ll lose his wind.” The Morgan abduction he is referring to was the basis of the Anti-Masonic Party, as they formed after the disappearance of Masonic critic, William Morgan. It was a short lived party, and most of them like Harrison, joined the Whig Party. Quincy Adams who is bringing up the rear, is on a horse pointed in a different direction. He was known for his passionate anti-slavery remarks in Congress, but his issue was not taken up under the Van Buren administration.
Location:
Currently not on view
Subject:
Economy  Search this
Political Parties  Search this
Political Caricatures  Search this
Horses  Search this
Chronology: 1830-1839  Search this
Uniforms, Military  Search this
Reform Movements  Search this
Blacks  Search this
Toys  Search this
Referenced:
[NO SUBJECT]  Search this
Credit Line:
Harry T. Peters "America on Stone" Lithography Collection
ID Number:
DL.60.3422
Catalog number:
60.3422
See more items in:
Home and Community Life: Domestic Life
Clothing & Accessories
Peters Political Prints
Art
Domestic Furnishings
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b5-19c2-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_325648