Johnny Bull and the Alexandrians / Wm Charles, Ssc.

The citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, are ridiculed in this scene for their lack of serious resistance against the British seizure of the city in 1814. At left two frightened gentlemen kneel with hands folded, pleading, "Pray Mr. Bull don't be too hard with us -- You know we were always friendly, even in the time of our Embargo!" In the center stands a bull in English seaman's clothes, holding out a long list of "Terms of Capitulation" to the Alexandrians. He says, "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." His allusion is to American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain David Porter. At right, a soldier and sailor carry off spirits, saying: "Push on Jack, the yankeys are not all so Cowardly as these Fellows here -- let's make the best of our time." and "Huzza boys!!! More Rum more Tobacco!"
The print may have been a companion piece to Charles's "John Bull and the Baltimoreans" (no. 1814-4). Both prints were deposited for copyright on October 21, 1814. The Library's impression is the deposit impression.

Lanmon, p. 184
Murrell, p. 88
Weitenkampf, p. 19
Century, p. 88-89
Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1814-3.