262

The Rejected Minister.

New York: Henry Anstice, [1832]
Lithograph, 9½ x 8 inches; foxing and toning, trimmed to image, mount remnants on verso.

  • Notes: This cartoon draws on cabinet drama from Andrew Jackson's first term. Jackson's Secretary of State Martin Van Buren had resigned in 1831 to help defuse internal strife, but continued to advise Jackson informally, and then sought an appointment as minister to Great Britain. The Senate confirmation hearing ruled against Van Buren in January 1832, with Vice President John Calhoun casting the deciding vote against him. When Jackson sought a new running mate to replace the controversial Calhoun, he tapped the "rejected minister" as his choice. Van Buren was a skilled inside politician whose strength within the Democratic Party was not matched by his popular support.

    Here we see Jackson staggering under the weight of Van Buren on his back. Van Buren exclaims "Thus only can I reach the Throne," while Jackson complains "No, Matty, by the Eternal, you'll sink me with you." The subcaption reads "We can never make him President, without first making him Vice-president." 

    One in OCLC (American Antiquarian Society), and one traced at auction since 1992.
  • Condition:
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