Jun 12 at 12:00 PM - Sale 2708 -

Sale 2708 - Lot 192

Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(WAR OF 1812.) William Charles, engraver. The Hartford Convention, or Leap No Leap. Etching and aquatint, 9¾ x 14¼ inches; tasteful restoration of a bit of the lower right corner not affecting the image, otherwise minimal wear. No place: [Samuel Kennedy], [December 1814]
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Additional Details

A satire upon the Hartford Convention which met in secret to undermine the war effort. The convention proved so unpopular that it contributed to the demise of the Federalist Party. This engraving depicts three of the New England states preparing to jump into the lap of George III, who exclaims "O 'tis my Yankey boys! Jump in, my fine fellows, plenty molasses and codfish, plenty of goods to smuggle; honours, titles and nobility into the bargain." Timothy Pickering, a Massachusetts congressman who flirted with secessionism, prays to be granted the title of "Lord of Essex." A plaque to the side lists 18 of America's War of 1812 heroes, and is headed "This is the produce of the land they wish to abandon."

An alternate version appeared as the frontispiece to the pamphlet "The Hartford Convention in an Uproar!" (see Howes H261), but this version stood alone. Murrell, plate 83; Nevins & Weitenkampf, page 30; Reilly 1814-2.

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