Collage of historical images and cartoons of the American Civil War

Visual Culture of the American Civil WarA Special Feature of Picturing US History

Why don't you take it?

In this overly optimistic vision of how the war would unfold, this 1861 print portraying—in canine terms—a mighty and well-provisioned Union intimidating the challenge of a decidedly less robust Confederacy was reproduced in many different versions and forms (including as illustrated mailing envelopes). General-in-Chief Winfield Scott, hero of the Mexican War, is the snarling bulldog supported by the vast resources of the North and defending Washington, D.C. In contrast, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the already-retreating greyhound, possesses the rich cotton staple but no other resources.In this overly optimistic vision of how the war would unfold, this 1861 print portraying—in canine terms—a mighty and well-provisioned Union intimidating the challenge of a decidedly less robust Confederacy was reproduced in many different versions and forms (including as illustrated mailing envelopes). General-in-Chief Winfield Scott, hero of the Mexican War, is the snarling bulldog supported by the vast resources of the North and defending Washington, D.C. In contrast, Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the already-retreating greyhound, possesses the rich cotton staple but no other resources.

Physical Dimensions: 9.8 x 15.7 in.

Creator: Frank T. Beard

Source: Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress

Publisher: Cincinnati: Vent, Starr & Co.

Date: 1861