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Congressional pugilists: Griswold and Lyon, at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, PA
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Congressional pugilists: Griswold and Lyon, at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, PA
1078599 Congressional pugilists: Griswold and Lyon, at Congress Hall, Philadelphia, PA, 1798 (etching) by American School, (18th century); Collection of the New-York Historical Society, USA; (add.info.: A crude portrayal of a fight on the floor of Congress between Representative Matthew Lyon of Vermont and Representative Roger Griswold of Connecticut. The row was originally prompted by an insulting reference to Lyon on Griswolds part. The interior of Congress Hall is shown; as are Speaker Jonathan Dayton and Clerk Jonathan W. Condy (both seated), Chaplain Ashbel Green (in profile on the left), and several others. Griswold, armed with a cane, kicks Lyon, who grasps the formers arm and raises a pair of fireplace tongs to strike him. Below are the verses: " 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."
unidentified); eNew York Historical Society; American, out of copyright
Media ID 23029704
© New York Historical Society / Bridgeman Images
Absurd Boxers Boxing Competition Congress Fighters Lyon Match Philadelphia Pugilist Pugilists Scuffle Tongs Caricatures Condy Dayton Griswold
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a historic moment in American politics, showcasing the intense brawl between Congressional representatives Matthew Lyon of Vermont and Roger Griswold of Connecticut. The etching, created by an anonymous artist from the 18th century, vividly depicts the chaotic scene that unfolded at Congress Hall in Philadelphia in 1798. The dispute between Lyon and Griswold originated from a derogatory comment made by Griswold towards Lyon. In response to this insult, Lyon retaliated fiercely, resulting in a physical altercation on the floor of Congress. The image showcases Speaker Jonathan Dayton and Clerk Jonathan W. Condy seated nearby, as well as Chaplain Ashbel Green captured in profile on the left side. In this crude portrayal of events, Griswold is armed with a cane while kicking Lyon. However, Lyon refuses to back down and grabs hold of Griswold's arm while raising fireplace tongs to strike him back. This dramatic confrontation encapsulates not only the personal animosity between these two individuals but also reflects deeper divisions within early American politics. Preserved by the New-York Historical Society's collection, this historical artifact serves as a reminder of how political disagreements can escalate into physical altercations even within esteemed institutions like Congress. It stands as both a testament to our nation's history and a cautionary tale about maintaining civility amidst differing opinions and heated debates.
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