Government, Politics, and Reform

March on Washington Handbill

George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln are all represented in the Museum's collections—by a surveying compass, a lap desk, and a top hat, among other artifacts. But the roughly 100,000 objects in this collection reach beyond the possessions of statesmen to touch the broader political life of the nation—in election campaigns, the women's suffrage movement, labor activity, civil rights, and many other areas. Campaign objects make up much of the collection, including posters, novelties, ballots, voting machines, and many others. A second group includes general political history artifacts, such as first ladies' clothing and accessories, diplomatic materials, ceremonial objects, national symbols, and paintings and sculptures of political figures. The third main area focuses on artifacts related to political reform movements, from labor unions to antiwar groups.

Date: 1850s

Snuffbox Given to Joseph Francis

This golden snuffbox mounted with diamonds in the shape of a crown atop the letter N was presented to Joseph Francis by Emperor Napoleon III of France on 4 February 1856.
Description
This golden snuffbox mounted with diamonds in the shape of a crown atop the letter N was presented to Joseph Francis by Emperor Napoleon III of France on 4 February 1856. It was presented to Francis for his lifesaving inventions, which had saved the lives of many French citizens. It is inscribed on the inside of the top:

Par Empereur Napoléon III
a Joseph Francis New York
le 4 Février 1856

The snuffbox was donated to the Smithsonian in 1890 by Joseph Francis himself, along with a gold medal he received for his lifesaving efforts and inventions via an 1888 act of Congress.
date made
ca 1856
recipient
Francis, Joseph
presenter
Napoleon III Emperor of France
ID Number
PL.005695
accession number
23240
catalog number
5695

Lithograph of bird species "Chrysomitris Marginalis"

Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Chrysomitris marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female" (common name: Black-chinned Siskin) after an original illustration by William Dreser (b. 1820, fl. 1849-1860).
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Chrysomitris marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female" (common name: Black-chinned Siskin) after an original illustration by William Dreser (b. 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XVII in Volume 2, following page 180 of Appendix F (Zoology-Birds) by John Cassin (1813-1869) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Description
Thomas Sinclair (c.1805–1881) of Philadelphia printed this lithograph of “Chrysomitris Marginalis [Bonaparte] male and female," now "Carduelis barbata" or Black-chinned siskin, from an original sketch by William Dreser (c.1820–after 1860) of Philadelphia (1847–1860) and New York (1860). The illustration was published in 1855 by A.O.P. Nicholson in Washington, D.C. as Plate XVII in the “Birds” section of volume II of The United States Naval Astronomical Survey to the Southern Hemisphere, written by John Cassin (1813–1869).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
Dreser, William
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.03
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.03

Franklin Pierce Campaign Medal

This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign medals. The medal is holed in the top so it could be worn.
Obverse: Bust of Franklin Pierce facing right. Legend reads: GEN FRANK PIERCE THE STATESMAN & SOLDIER.
Reverse: Legend reads: FOR PRESIDENT GEN. FRANK PIERCE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, FOR VICE PRESIDENT WILLIAM R. KING OF ALABAMA.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
depicted
Pierce, Franklin
referenced
King, William Rufus Devane
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1146
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1146

Ostend Doctrine / Practical Democrats carrying out the principle

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1854 10 18
associated person
Buchanan, James
associated institution
Democratic National Party
ID Number
1979.0215.039
accession number
1979.0215
catalog number
1979.0215.039

Lithograph of bird species "Buteo calurus"

This colored lithograph of "Buteo calurus [Cassin]," now "Buteo jamaicensis calurus" or Red-tailed Hawk, is believed to have been drawn on stone by William E.
Description (Brief)
This colored lithograph of "Buteo calurus [Cassin]," now "Buteo jamaicensis calurus" or Red-tailed Hawk, is believed to have been drawn on stone by William E. Hitchcock (ca 1822-ca 1906), lithographed by Bowen & Company of Philadelphia (ca 1840-1870), and likely hand colored by Bowen firm colorists or Lavinia Bowen (ca 1820- ca 1872).
The image was published as Plate XIV in the "Zoological Portion of the Reports by Lieutenant E. G. Beckwith, Third Artillery, upon the Route near the 38th and 39th Parallels, surveyed by Captain J. W. Gunnison, Corps of Topographical Engineers, and upon the route near the Forty–First Parallel, surveyed by Lieut. E. G. Beckwith, Third Artillery.” The report was published in volume X of the “Reports and Surveys to Ascertain the Most Practable and Economical Route for a Railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean ... 1853, 1856, Volume X," printed in 1859 by Beverley Tucker of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date on report
1854
date printed in book
1859
original artist
Cassin, John
publisher
U.S. War Department
author
Beckwith, Edward Griffin
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
ID Number
GA.16332.017
accession number
1930.110179
catalog number
16332.017

Engraving of snake species "Dryophis vittatus"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of "Dryophis Vittatus, Grd" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXVI in Volume 2, following page 210 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.30
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.30

Engraving of fish and frog species "Trichomycterus Maculatus, Cheiroden Pisciculus, Cystignathus Taeniatus, and Phyllobates Auratus"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv.
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-publication engraving proof of “Trichomycterus maculatus [Cuv. -Val.], Cheiroden pisciculus [Grd], Cystignathus taeniatus [Grd], and Phyllobates auratus [Grd]” now "Trichomycterus maculatus," "Cheiroden pisciculus," "Batrachyla taeniata," (Banded tree frog), and "Dendrobates auratus" (Poison dart frog, Green poison frog, Green and black poison dart frog) from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXIV in Volume 2, following page 208 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C. The print is also signed in pen "Correct, C.Girard."
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.16
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.16

Franklin Pierce Campaign Medal

This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1852. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including buttons, daguerreotype mats, and campaign medals.
Obverse: Bust of Franklin Pierce facing left. Legend: GENERAL. F. PIERCE.
Reverse: Plaque surrounded by four flags and an eagle perched on top. The plaque reads: OUR COUNTRY RIGHT OR WRONG. The legend around the rim reads: UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1852
depicted
Pierce, Franklin
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1213
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1213

Engraving of lizard species "Phrynosoma regale, Doliosaurus m'callii"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from one or more original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Phrynosoma regale [Girard] and Doliosaurus m’callii [Girard]”—now "Phrynosoma solare" (Regal horned lizard) and "Phrynosoma mcallii" (Flat–tail horned lizard); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 28 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.062
catalog number
2009.0115.062
accession number
2009.0115

Fillmore Campaign Ribbon, 1856

associated date
1856
associated person
Donelson, Andrew Jackson
Fillmore, Millard
ID Number
1978.0590.086
accession number
1978.0590
catalog number
1978.0590.086

Presidential Memorial Medal

This memorial medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the 1840s. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This memorial medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut during the 1840s. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer and is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including commemorative medals.
Obverse: Bust portraits of Presidents, with labels: GEORGE WASHINGTON/ JOHN ADAMS/ THOMAS JEFFERSON/ JAMES MADISON/ JAMES MONROE/ JOHN QUINCY ADAMS/ ANDREW JACKSON/ MARTIN VAN BUREN.
Reverse: Two branches wreath rim. The central legend reads: FIRST PRESIDENT/ GEORGE WASHINGTON./ SECOND/ JOHN ADAMS./ THIRD/ THOMAS JEFFERSON./ FOURTH/ JAMES MADISON./ FIFTH/ JAMES MONROE./ SIXTH/ JOHN QUINCY ADAMS./ SEVENTH/ ANDREW JACKSONS./ EIGHTH/ MARTIN VAN BUREN.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
depicted
Washington, George
Adams, John
Jefferson, Thomas
Madison, James
Monroe, James
Adams, John Quincy
Jackson, Andrew
Van Buren, Martin
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1240
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1240

Chromolithograph of "Colorado Desert and Signal Mountain"

This tinted lithograph of “Colorado Desert and Signal Mountain" was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865).
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Colorado Desert and Signal Mountain" was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate XI in Volume V, Part I, following page 40, in the "General Report," part of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
original artist
Koppel, Charles
publisher
U.S. War Department
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
printer
Tucker, Beverley
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.26
accession number
62261

Engraving of fish species "Nematoenys inermis"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this engraving of “Nematogenys inermis [Grd]” from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XXXII in Volume 2, following page 248 of Appendix F (Zoology-Fishes) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Girard, Charles
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.17
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.17

Chromolithograph of "Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass"

This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description (Brief)
This tinted lithograph of “Great Basin from the Summit of Tejon Pass” was produced after an original sketch by expedition artist Charles Koppel (fl. 1853-1865). It was printed as Plate V in Volume V, Part II following page 50 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
original artist
Koppel, Charles
Koppel, Charles
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
original artist
Koppel, Charles
ID Number
GA.10729.33
accession number
62261

Engraving of lizard species "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctoretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni"

William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881).
Description (Brief)
William H. Dougal (1822-1895) of Washington, D.C. produced this pre-press engraving proof of "Proctotretus Tenius, Proctotretus Femoratus, and Proctotretus Stantoni" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (1807- ca 1881). The image was published as Plate XL in Volume 2, following page 216 of Appendix F (Zoology Reptiles) by Charles Girard (1822-1895) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.29
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.29

Lithograph of bird species "Ericornis Melanura and Scytalopus Fuscus"

Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Ericornis melanura [Gray] adult and Scytalopus fuscus [Gould],” now "Chilia melanura" (Crag chilia), and "Scytalopus fuscus" (Dusky tapaculo), from an original illustration by William Dreser
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Ericornis melanura [Gray] adult and Scytalopus fuscus [Gould],” now "Chilia melanura" (Crag chilia), and "Scytalopus fuscus" (Dusky tapaculo), from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XXI in Volume 2, following page 188 of Appendix F (Zoology-Birds) by John Cassin (1813-1869) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
original artist
Dreser, William
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
United States Navy
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.05
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.05

Engraving of frog species "Batrachyla longipes, Heloecetes clarii, Ylarana fusca, Acris archeta"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print ofdifferent reptile species after original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 37 in “Reptiles of the Boundary” by S.F.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of
different reptile species after original illustrations by John H. Richard (c.1807-1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 37 in “Reptiles of the Boundary” by S.F. Baird (1823–1887), published in Volume 2, Part 2 of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey. The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C. The species illustrated include: “Batrachyla longipes [Baird], Heloecetes clarkia [Baird], Hylarana fusca [Baird], and Acris archeta [sic] [Baird]," now "Eleutherodactylus longipes" (common names Long–footed frog, Long–footed robber frog, or Longfoot robber frog), "Pseudacris clarkia" (common names Clark’s tree frog, Clark’s striped tree frog, or Spotted chorus frog), Hylarana fusca [Baird], and "Acris gryllus" (common name Cricket frog).
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Batrachyla longipes [Baird], Heloecetes clarkia [Baird], Hylarana fusca [Baird], and Acris archeta [sic] [Baird]," now "Eleutherodactylus longipes" (Long–footed frog, Long–footed robber frog, or Longfoot robber frog), "Pseudacris clarkia" (Clark’s tree frog, Clark’s striped tree frog, or Spotted chorus frog), Hylarana fusca [Baird], and "Acris gryllus" (Cricket frog); from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 37 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.061
catalog number
2009.0115.061
accession number
2009.0115

Lithograph of bird species "Buteo elegans"

This colored lithograph of Buteo elegans [Cassin] (Red-shouldered Hawk) is believed to have been drawn on stone by William E.
Description (Brief)
This colored lithograph of Buteo elegans [Cassin] (Red-shouldered Hawk) is believed to have been drawn on stone by William E. Hitchcock (ca 1822-ca 1906), lithographed by Bowen & Company of Philadelphia (ca 1840-1870), and likely hand colored by Bowen firm colorists or Lavinia Bowen (ca 1820- ca 1872).
The image was published as Plate II in the Zoological Report, Volume X, Part IV, No. 2 in A. L. Heermann's "Report Upon the Birds Collected on the Survey (between San Francisco and Fort Yuma, California)", following page 80. The report was published in the larger volume “Report of Explorations in California for Railroad Routes to Connect with the Routes near the 35th and 32nd Parallels of North Latitude" by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers. The volume was printed in 1859 by Beverly Tucker of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
author
Williamson, Robert Stockton
Heerman, Dr. A. L.
ID Number
GA.16332.067
catalog number
16332.067
accession number
1930.110179

John C. Frémont Medal

This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1856. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today.
Description (Brief)
This campaign medal was made by the Scovill Manufacturing Company of Waterbury, Connecticut around 1856. The Scovill Company was established in 1802 as a button manufacturer that is still in business today. Scovill was an early industrial American innovator, adapting armory manufacturing processes to mass-produce a variety of consumer goods including campaign medals. John Frémont was the first Republican candidate for President in 1856.
Obverse: Bust of John C. Frémont facing left. Legend: J. C. FREMONT BORN JAN 21 1813.
Reverse: Open-winged eagle perched on a globe, reads “Our Country” around the top and 13 stars around the lower portion.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1856
depicted
Fremont, John Charles
maker
Scovill Manufacturing Company
ID Number
1981.0296.1148
accession number
1981.0296
catalog number
1981.0296.1148

Piece of George Washington’s mahogany coffin

When George Washington’s remains were relocated to a new tomb in 1837, his family planned to make souvenirs from the mahogany covering of his lead-lined coffin. Its deteriorated condition made that idea unworkable, however, so they distributed small pieces of the wood.
Description
When George Washington’s remains were relocated to a new tomb in 1837, his family planned to make souvenirs from the mahogany covering of his lead-lined coffin. Its deteriorated condition made that idea unworkable, however, so they distributed small pieces of the wood. The note on this piece reads, “Washington’s Coffin presented to Mr. Saltonstall by a nephew, + namesake of Washington residing at Mount Vernon.”
This Mr. Saltonstall is believed to be Leverett Saltonstall, a Massachusetts congressman from 1838 to 1843. Saltonstall often visited Mount Vernon, where he likely received this coffin piece from John Augustine Washington, who was George Washington’s great-grandnephew and Mount Vernon’s last resident owner.
Purchase, 2011
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1840
associated date
1859
referenced
Washington, George
Saltonstall, William L.
Green, James
ID Number
2011.0013.02
catalog number
2011.0013.02
accession number
2011.0013

Howell Cobb

Howell Cobb was a member of the United States House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, Governor of Georgia, and Secretary of the Treasury under James Buchanan.
Description
Howell Cobb was a member of the United States House of Representatives, Speaker of the House, Governor of Georgia, and Secretary of the Treasury under James Buchanan. He was also a founder of the Confederacy and was the President in the Provisional Congress of Confederate States.
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Date
1851-1853
referenced
D'Avignon's Press
maker
D'Avignon's Press
ID Number
2015.0196.02
accession number
2015.0196
catalog number
2015.0196.02

Chromolithograph of bird species "Phalacrocorax Brasilianus"

Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860).
Description (Brief)
Thomas Sinclair (ca 1805-1881) of Philadelphia produced this chromolithographic print of "Phalacrocorax brasilianus [GM]" or Neotropic cormorant, from an original illustration by William Dreser (ca 1820, fl. 1849-1860). The image was published as Plate XXVIII in Volume 2, following page 204 of Appendix F (Zoology-Birds) by John Cassin (1813-1869) in the report describing "The U.S. Naval Astronomical Expedition to the Southern Hemisphere during the Years 1849, 1850, 1851, and 1852" by James M. Gillis (1811-1865). The volume was printed in 1855 by A. O. P. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1855
graphic artist
Sinclair, Thomas
original artist
Dreser, William
publisher
United States Navy
printer
Nicholson, A. O. P.
author
Cassin, John
Gilliss, James Melville
ID Number
2008.0175.02
accession number
2008.0175
catalog number
2008.0175.02

Engraving of lizard species"Euphryne obesus"

William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia.
Description (Brief)
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]" from an original illustration by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was published as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Description
William Dougal (1822–1895) of Washington, D.C. engraved this print of “Euphryne obesus [Baird]”, now "Sauromalus ater" or Northern chuckwalla, from an original sketch by John H. Richard (c.1807–1881) of Philadelphia. The illustration was printed as Plate 27 in the “Reptiles” section of the second part of volume II of the Report on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey, written by S.F. Baird (1823–1887). The volume was printed in 1859 by Cornelius Wendell of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date of book publication
1859
author
Baird, Spencer Fullerton
original artist
Richard, John H.
graphic artist
Dougal, William H.
printer
Wendell, Cornelius
author
Emory, William H.
publisher
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Army
ID Number
2009.0115.068
catalog number
2009.0115.068
accession number
2009.0115

Chromolithograph of "Mirage on the Colorado Desert"

This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P.
Description
This tinted lithograph of “Mirage on the Colorado River” was prepared after an original sketch by ah expedition geologist and artist William P. Blake (1826-1910). It was printed as Plate XII in Volume V, Part II following page 250 in the "Geological Report by W. P. Blake, Geologist and Minerologist to the Expedition," as part of Volume V, Part II of the “Routes in California, to Connect with the Routes near the Thirty–Fifth and Thirty–Second Parallels, Explored by Lieutenant R. S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, in 1853."
The volume was printed as part of the "Reports of Explorations and Surveys, to ascertain the most practicable and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean" in 1856 by A. P. O. Nicholson (1808-1876) of Washington, D.C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1856
publisher
U.S. War Department
printer
Tucker, Beverley
expedition leader
Williamson, Robert Stockton
author
Blake, William Phipps
original artist
Blake, William Phipps
graphic artist
unknown
publisher
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Topographic Command
ID Number
GA.10729.32
accession number
62261

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