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Bibframe Work

Title
Volunteers for Texas. As you were
Type
Still Image
Multimedia
Contribution
Odham, Thomas Contributor
Palmer, F. (Fanny), 1812-1876 Contributor
F. & S. Palmer (Firm) Contributor
Subject
United States. Army--1840-1850.
Militias--1840-1850. (LCTGM)
Texas--1840-1850.
Genre Form
Prints (LCGFT)
graphic
Lithographs--1840-1850. (GMGPC)
Political cartoons--1840-1850. (GMGPC)
Language
English
Classification
LCC: PC/US - 1846.O23, no. 1
Note
Forms part of: American cartoon print filing series (Library of Congress)
Summary
A scornful portrayal of the poor caliber of American volunteers for the Mexican War. The print evidently appeared at the outset of the conflict, as the Library's impression was deposited for copyright on May 13, the day on which President Polk signed the proclamation of war. News of Gen. Zachary Taylor's initial engagement with enemy troops near the Rio Grande River first reached Washington on Saturday, May 9, prompting mass enlistments for the popular cause of protecting the newly annexed Texas territory. A large percentage of the enlistees were Irish immigrants, most of them inexperienced militarily. The artist shows an awkward group of volunteers standing at attention before a young, chinless, and obviously untested officer who regards them through a monocle. The officer is dressed in a neat uniform, while all but one of the volunteers wear civilian clothes. The sole enlistee in uniform holds a parasol instead of a musket.
Authorized Access Point
Volunteers for Texas. As you were