Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Library of Congress
Caption: Johnny Bull and the Alexandrians
by William Charles, 1814
Additional Description: “The citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, are ridiculed in this scene for their lack of serious resistance against the British seizure of the city in 1814. At left two frightened gentlemen kneel with hands folded, pleading, ‘Pray Mr. Bull don't be too hard with us -- You know we were always friendly, even in the time of our Embargo!’ In the center stands a bull in English seaman's clothes, holding out a long list of ‘Terms of Capitulation’ to the Alexandrians. He says, ‘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.’ His allusion is to American Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain David Porter. At right, a soldier and sailor carry off spirits, saying: ‘Push on Jack, the yankeys are not all so Cowardly as these Fellows here -- let's make the best of our time.’ and ‘Huzza boys!!! More Rum more Tobacco!’” – Library of Congress
Submitted: August 18, 2018, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
Database Locator Identification Number: p441284
File Size: 7.304 Megabytes

To see the metadata that may be embedded in this photo, sign in and then return to this page.