Akin, James “The Pedlar and his Pack or the Desperate Effort, an Over Balance”

Attributed to James Akin.  “The Pedlar and his Pack or the Desperate Effort, an Over Balance.” 

[Philadelphia: 1828]. Aquatint.  9 5/8 x 14 1/4 (image).  Scattered stains at top.  Else, very good condition.  Rare.   Ref: National Museum of American History.  A/A  

As stated on a web page of the Smithsonian Institute:  “This print while undated, references the election of 1828 between incumbent John Quincy Adams and war hero, Andrew Jackson. Political attacks greatly relied on character assassination during this election, and that is depicted in this print. Philadelphia Democratic Press editor John Binns, published the coffin handbill, alleging that six militia men were ordered executed by Andrew Jackson due to enlistment disputes following the War of 1812.

Binns circulated thousands of these handbills in his paper, with the original version titled “Monumental Inscriptions!” depicting six black coffins labeled with the soldiers’ names and alleged infraction. The publication of this handbill proved disastrous for Binns, and he was forced to stop printing it after angry mobs threatened to carry him about town in a coffin. In this print, Binns is depicted carrying the burden eight large coffins as well as incumbent president John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay on his back.

Adams and Clay were opponents and foes of Jackson, given what he and many Americans saw as a corrupt deal following the election of 1824. Jackson won the popular vote in that election, but due to electoral college discrepancies it went to the House of Representatives to decide, where Clay cast the deciding vote for Adams if he was promised the role of Secretary of State. In this print Adams and Clay are balanced precariously a top the coffins, with Adams stretching to reach the presidential chair topped with an eagle baring a patriotic shield. Clay realizes that he like Binns, is collapsing under the weight of the coffins, but begs Adams to hold on. Adams and Clay both suffered defeat when Jackson won the election and secured his place as president. One can infer that the two additional coffins carried by Binns were likely meant to be seen as for the Adams and Clay.”