Our political snake-charmer. 19th century, Library of Congress collection

British political cartoon shows Stephen Douglas with snakes labeled with the political positions: Old Line (Whig), American, So. American, Anti-Lecompton, Democrat, and Republican. Stephens says, "You perceive, ladies and gentlemen, that the creatures are entirely under my control. John Forney, a Democrat who had switched sides and become a Republican Lincoln supporter, says, "Hope the Brutes won't bite!"