Fichier:Gideon Pillow and Winfield Scott.jpg

Description

TITLE: Self-inflating pillow

CALL NUMBER: PC/US - 1848.S656, no. 2 (B size) <P&P>[P&P]

REPRODUCTION NUMBER: LC-USZ62-11404 (b&w film copy neg.)

SUMMARY: American general Gideon J. Pillow's self-promoting attempts to discredit Mexican War commander Gen. Winfield Scott are ridiculed in this portrayal of Scott puncturing "Polk's Patent" pillow. Pillow's efforts were widely viewed as part of a campaign by the Polk administration to damage Scott's growing prestige at home. An anonymous letter--actually written by Pillow--published in the "New Orleans Delta" on September 10, 1847, and signed "Leonidas," wrongfully credited Pillow for recent American victories at Churubusco and Contreras. The battles were actually won by Scott. When Pillow's intrigue was exposed, he was arrested by Scott and held for a court-martial. Polk, defensive of Pillow, recalled Scott to Washington. During the trial that ensued, "Delta" correspondent James L. Freaner testified in Scott's favor. At Pillow's behest Maj. Archibald W. Burns, a paymaster, claimed authorship of the "Leonidas" letter. Currier's cartoon was probably published during or shortly after Pillow's trial, which began in March 1848. With the sword of "Truth," Scott (right) punctures a pillow held by Burns (left) and which is being inflated by Pillow (kneeling, center). Scott holds Freaner's testimony in his hand and treads on the Leonidas letter. He exclaims at the air released, "Heavens what a smell!" At left, behind Burns is a strong box on which rests a sack of coins, marked "From Genl. Pillow for fathering the Leonidas Letter."

MEDIUM: 1 print : Lithograph on wove paper ; 28.8 x 44.8 cm (image).

CREATED/PUBLISHED: 1848.

Conditions d’utilisation

	Ce document est dans le domaine public aux États-Unis. Ceci s'applique aux travaux des États-Unis où le copyright a expiré, souvent parce que sa première publication s'est produite avant le 1er janvier 1929. Voir cette page pour davantage d'explication.
	Cette image peut ne pas être dans le domaine public en dehors des États-Unis (ceci s'applique particulièrement au Canada, en Chine (pas Hong Kong, Macao, ni Taïwan), en Allemagne ou en Suisse). Le créateur et l'année de la publication sont l'information essentielle et doivent être fournis.