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Humble Pie (?), 1869. Artist: John Tenniel
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Humble Pie (?), 1869. Artist: John Tenniel
Humble Pie (?), 1869. After the American Civil War, the US government claimed compensation was due from Britain in respect of the damage done by the Alabama, a ship fitted out in Britain to raid the commerce of the United States. The row had rumbled on for some time and, in November 1868, a Convention had been signed allowing commissioners to be appointed to adjudicate. This cartoon shows Mr Reverdy Johnson, the recently appointed US Minister to Britain, being presented with a pie depicting the amount of damages being claimed. Johnson is to offer the pie to John Bull. In April 1869, the US Senate had rejected by a majority of some 54 to 1 the proposed Treaty. One Senator, Mr Sumner, said that Britain had dealt the US such a blow that it was difficult to quantify. This matter was still rumbling on into the 1870s. From Punch, or the London Charivari, May 15, 1869
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Media ID 14831202
© The Print Collector / Heritage-Images
American Civil War Goatee Heritage Image Partnership John Bull John Tenniel Johnson Minister Offering Sir John Tenniel Tenniel Top Hat Allegorical Figure Reverdy Tea Towel
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This engraving captures a significant moment in the political history of the United States and Britain. Created by renowned artist John Tenniel in 1869, the print titled "Humble Pie (?)" depicts Mr Reverdy Johnson, the newly appointed US Minister to Britain, being presented with a pie symbolizing the compensation claimed by the US government from Britain. The dispute arose after the American Civil War when it was alleged that Britain had supported a ship called Alabama, which caused damage to American commerce. The cartoon humorously portrays Johnson offering this symbolic pie to John Bull, representing Britain. The image reflects the ongoing tension between these two nations during that time. Interestingly, despite efforts made through diplomatic channels such as signing a Convention for adjudication in November 1868, progress towards resolving this matter was slow. In April 1869, the proposed Treaty seeking compensation was rejected by an overwhelming majority in the US Senate. This illustration showcases Tenniel's talent for caricature and satire while shedding light on an important historical event. It serves as a reminder of how conflicts between nations can be expressed through art and symbolism. As we observe Johnson presenting his claim through this whimsical gesture of offering humble pie, it is evident that tensions lingered well into subsequent years regarding this issue between America and Britain.
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