Images(2)

JOHNNY BULL and the ALEXANDRIANS.

Date1814

Engraver William Charles (1776-1820)

OriginAmerica, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

MediumEtching and line engraving on laid paper

DimensionsOverall: 11 × 17 1/4in. (27.9 × 43.8cm) Other (Plate): 9 3/4 × 13 1/4in. (24.8 × 33.7cm)

Credit LineGift of Mr. Dunscombe H. Colt, Jr.

Object number1964-27

DescriptionKneeling figures (The Alexandrians): "Pray Mr Bull don't be too hard/ with us - You know we will always/ friendly, even in the time of our Embargo!"
John Bull: "I must have all your Flour__All your Tobacco__/All your Provisions. All your Ships.__ All your Merchandize, -/every thing except your Porter and Perry.__keep them/ out of my sight, I've had enough of them already.__"
Man in uniform: "Push on Jack, the yankeys/ are not all so Cowardly/ as these Fellows here-let's/ make the best of our time."
Figure carrying barrels: "Huzza boys!!!/ More Rum more Tobacco!_”

Lower margin: Phil.a Pub.d and Sold Whole sale by W.m Charles./Enter’d according to Act of Congress/Wm Charles Sc.

Label TextIn August of 1814, British naval ships sailed up the Potomac River to assist ground troops in the attack of Washington, DC and attack Fort Washington (the only American fortification on the Potomac) which was located just 8 miles below the capitol city. Fearing the possible destruction of their city, the Common Council of Alexandria, Virginia resolved to surrender the city to the British and supply them with provisions on the condition that they spared the town from damage. The war had been unfavorable to the citizens of Alexandra, an important trading port whose livelihood depended on successful mercantile ties to the English and the trans-Atlantic trade. An attack on the city would damage infrastructure necessary for trade, damage property, and devestate the city economically. On the morning of August 28, 1814, Mayor Charles Simms of Alexandria sailed down the river under a white flag to present the British with terms of surrender. The British occupied the town for three days, supplying themselves with goods and terrified the citizens of nearby Washington (which had been burnt), before sailing out of the Potomac to rejoin Admiral Cochrane’s fleet. The Alexandrians were perceived as being more concerned with money than patriotism, the surrender of Alexandria was seen by many Americans as cowardly and disgraceful. Though their reputation was tarnished, the Alexandrians successfully prevented their city from destruction, unlike the District of Columbia, Harve de Grace, Maryland, and Hampton, Virginia.
William Charles wasted no time in satirizing the events at Alexandria. He submitted his application for a patent request to the Librarian of Congress on October 21, 1814 along with its companion piece “John Bull and the Baltimoreans.” In contrast to the surrender of Alexandria, the successful defense mounted by the citizens of Baltimore was a major victory for the American war effort.
“JOHN BULL and the ALEXANDRIANS” presents citizens of the city groveling to the British and willingly conceding all goods. An Alexandrian begs the British to be merciful and reminds them the city had been economically loyal allies in spite of the 1807 Embargo Act which made American exports with the French and British illegal for about a year. The kneeling men suggest the cowardice of the Alexandrians who were allegedly more concerned with their economic interests than defending their nation. John Bull, a figure that characterizes Britain, particularly in reference to economic matters, is depicted in the dress of an English sailor presenting terrified citizens of Alexandria with “Articles of Capitulation” that stipulated the terms of the city’s surrender. Perry (a cider made from pears) and porter (a dark beer), were the names of two alcoholic beverages that were consumed during the period. Bull makes a pun on the names of Captain David Porter and Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, two American naval commanders that fought against the British during the War of 1812. American goods are represented by barrels of tobacco from Virginia and Rum from New England.