Raynors HCA 2015-02
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/19/2015
Lithograph, “A Grand Slave Hunt, or Trial of Speed for the Presidency, between the nags Black Dan, Lewis Cass, and Haynau. 19-1/2” x 13-1/2”, uncolored, ND., NP, but likely 1850 as the lithograph is reviewed in the Liberator January 3, 1851. The complicated political cartoon makes reference to the varying opinions of the fugitive slave law of 1850 VG.. A striking and significant lithographic print, in geniously designed, capitally hit off, and keenly pointed with a moral. Prominent in the cartoon is Black Dan (Daniel Webster), eked forward and pulling, with long strides, at full speed, for the Presidential goal. In his right hand is a black-striped banner, and in his left a parchment roll marked Fugitive Slave Law ! Before him is a slave mother, running for her life, with an infant in her arms, and a little boy by her side. Black Dan, knitting his brows fiercely at the fugitive, exclaims, ‘This is slightly inconvenient, but it is the best run I ever made for the Presidency. Catch her. Toady ! and you shall have a bone from the next retainer's dinner. Head her old Conscience! Knock her down with that Bible.’ A dog runs along with Webster making reference to the law's nickname, the "Bloodhound Law". Close at the heel of Black Dan follows the nag Lewis Cass, with a most lugubrious, beef-eater's face, puffing away at the top of his speed, and muttering, ‘I didn't think Black Dan would beat me on this track.’ Next comes Haynau, with a beer pitcher on his head, and a three strand whip in his hand. (Haynau was an Austrian general noted for cruelty in pursuit of slaves.) Two horrible looking ruffians follow in the rear, straining away with all their agility, one holding a 'power of attorney,' and the other a slave chain. One bawls out We are in better company than we had at home! The other responds Yes, we dine in Beacon street, to-day.' A prim old gentleman, out towards the Capitol, with his arms nicely folded, very complacently observes, ‘We Southern gentlemen leave the details of this business to our Haynaus and Northern apostates.’ In the rear of all stand a distinguished personage, called His Accidency M. Fillmore who holds out unrolled, with his fresh signature thereon, the Fugitive Slave Law. He calmly says, ‘I do not blight beneficent legislation by vetoes.'’ In the background other men look on, commenting, while another group of white men listen intently to a man speaking of racial and constitutional justice. Also, another fugitive slave mother and her child are captured by two slave hunters.
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