William Charles

Bruin become Mediator or Negotiation for Peace c. 1813 by the artist William Charles (1776–1820) was a Scottish-born engraver who emigrated to the United States and is now known best for his political cartoons, especially "The Hartford Convention or LEAP NO LEAP", perhaps the most widely printed illustration regarding that historic subject. He is also notable for being a pioneer in comics.

Life and career

He was born in Edinburgh but little is known about his early life and training. Charles had published political caricatures in Edinburgh and London before immigrating to America. He worked extensively in New York and Philadelphia from about 1806 until his death.

"Charles ... must be regarded as an instrumental figure in transferring the techniques and vocabulary of the English caricaturists to an American context," according to Lorraine Welling Lanmon.

Dialogue (from left to right):

Pickering is shown on his knees in the center, saying: "I, Strongly and most fervently pray for the success of this great leap which will change my vulgar name into that of my Lord of Essex. God save the King."

Description:

Johnny Bull (with the head of a bull): 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.---

Yankey (one of two, kneeling, on left): Pray Mr Bull don't be too hard with us--- you know we were always friendly, even in time of your Embargo!

British Soldier: Push on Jack, the yankeys are not all so cowardly as these Fellows here. Let's make the best of your time.---

Jack: Huzza Boys!!! More Rum more Tobacco!---

David Porter and Oliver Perry were American heroes of the War of 1812.

JOHN BULL and the BALTIMOREANS

The cartoon, an 1814 etching, with roulette work, was created in Philadelphia. ("Pubd. And sold ... by Wm. Charles") Charles, despite being a native Scot, had no compunction in displaying Scots accents out of the mouths of the enemy in the dialogue here, perhaps for humorous reasons as well as accuracy.

Description:

American soldier prods John Bull (a bull in seaman's outfit) and says: "Oh! hoh! -- Johnny you thought you had Alexandrians to deal with did you -- But we'll teach you to know what a flogging is!!!"

John Bull: "Mercy! mercy on me -- What fellows those Baltimoreans are -- After the example of the Alexandrians I thought I had nothing to do but enter the Town and carry off the Booty -- And here is nothing but Defeat and Disgrace!!!"

On the right a mounted officer, possibly Admiral Cockburn urges the British to turn and fight: "What's the Matter! you Cowardly rascals! Back back and execute the orders of your Government --We must attack every point that's assailable!"

A Highlander replies: "In gude troth Admiral I think ye are as mad as our government Dinna ye ken the General's kilt -- ye must only attack sie places as Hampton, Havre de Grace, or Alexandria."

In the background an American sniper fires at mounted Scottish General Robert Ross.

Sniper: "Now for this Chap on Horseback with the plaid Bonnet on -- There -- there's a Rifle pill for you -- Thats a quietus."

Ross: "Deil [sic] tak that Republican rascal wi his Rifle gun for he's blawn my brains out."

Other prominent works

John Bull making a new Batch of Ships to send to the Lakes (1814)—Philadelphia, "Pubd. And sold ... by Wm. Charles" Democracy - against the - Unnatural Union. Trial Octr. 14th 1817 (1817)—Possibly done in Philadelphia. Etching, with roulette work, "Designed and Executed by one who has neither place nor pension" Satirical, partisan take on the gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania between William Findlay and Joseph Heister.