Description:

U.S. Congress
n.p., ca. 1800-1850
Pair of Etchings Depicting "Congressional Pugilists," One Signed by Historian B.J. Lossing!
Signed artwork
A pair of etchings, both entitled "Congressional Pugilists." Ca. 1800-1850. N.p. The central scene depicts the first (but not the last) physical altercation between statesmen on the floor of the U.S. Congress, on February 15, 1798. The etching on high-quality thin paper is ca. 1800, while the etching on thicker paper is a ca. 1850 reprint. The ca. 1850 reprint is pencil-signed at upper left by American historian Benson John Lossing (1813-1891) as "Benson J. Lossing." In addition to the caricature, which features labeled characters, each print features a four-line verse along the bottom, as well as the place and date as: "Congress Hall, / in Philada. Feb. 15. 1798. / S.E. Cor. of 6th & Chestnut St." Expected wear including even toning, isolated chipped edges, wrinkles, and closed tears. The ca. 1850 reprint has two discolored stains along the top from previous mounting. Else very good to near fine. The ca. 1800 print measures 12.875" x 8.125" while the ca. 1850 reprint measures 11.25" x 9.125."

"He in a trice struck Lyon thrice
Upon his head, enrag'd sir,
Who seiz'd the tongs to ease his wrongs,
And Griswold thus engag'd, sir."

The etchings depict a brawl which broke out in the U.S. House of Representatives between U.S. Congressman from Vermont Matthew Lyon (1749-1822), a Democratic-Republican, and U.S. Congressman from Connecticut Roger Griswold (1762-1812), a Federalist, on February 15, 1798. The scene shows the two combatants wielding instruments at center right, and also identifies three other historical individuals by name: "1. Jona. Dayton, Speaker," referring to Jonathan Dayton (1760-1824), 3rd Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives; "2. Jona. W. Condy, Clerk," referring to Jonathan Condy (1770-1828), Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives between 1797-1799; and "3. Rev. Ashbel Green, Chaplain," referring to Reverend Ashbel Green (1762-1848), 3rd Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The fight was precipitated by a discussion of whether to remove fellow Tennessee Congressman William Blount. Lyon and Griswold had sparred two weeks before the fight, in late January 1798, when insults and a well-aimed squirt of tobacco juice were exchanged. Then, on February 15, 1798, Griswold kicked and attacked Lyon with a cane and Lyon retaliated by brandishing some fire tongs. The scuffle was broken up by fellow members of Congress and both lawmakers were censured but eventually forgiven. 50 years later another caning took place, this time between Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner and South Carolina Congressman Preston Brooks.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: largest: 12.875" x 8.125"
  • Medium: Signed artwork

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