Description

This political cartoon lithograph depicts General George B. McClellan in circus attire, attempting to ride two horses, one leg on each. The horse on the left, labeled "Peace," appears thin and weak. The horse on the right, labeled "War," is strong and bucks in the air. President Lincoln is also dressed in circus attire and can be seen in the background saying, "You tried to ride them two hosses on the Peninsula for two years Mac, but it wouldn't work." McClellan's cartoon text reads "Little Mac (confidentially)- Curse them baulky Horses- I can't manage the Act no how. One threw me in Virginia, and the other is bound the wrong way." The print is labeled across the bottom margin, "Little Mac, in His Great Two Horse Act, in the Presidential Canvass of 1864." Possibly a second copy of 71.2009.081.0246. Part of The Lincoln Financial Foundation Collection, courtesy of the Indiana State Museum