What think ye of C-o-n-ss now? View of Congress on the road to Philadelphia political cartoon, circa 1790
Permanent ID:
1476Call number:
Ba 612 W556Date:
1790Image Description:
Cartoon depicting Robert Morris, Philadelphia merchant, Revolutionary War financier, and founder of the Bank of North America. A signer of the Declaration of Independence and Pennsylvania delegate to both Continental Congresses, Morris played a critical role in persuading Congress to relocate the capital of the United States from New York City to Philadelphia during the construction of Washington, DC. Philadelphia served as the seat of the United States government from 1790 to 1800 and the move from New York City was considered a great betrayal by Morris, who stood to benefit financially from the deal. The cartoon depicts Morris carrying a group of Congressmen, who are holding bags of money, to Philadelphia on his back against the objections of the minority who follow behind.This is a copperplate print.