William Charles (cartoonist)

[2] "Charles ... must be regarded as an instrumental figure in transferring the techniques and vocabulary of the English caricaturists to an American context," according to Lorraine Welling Lanmon.

[2] "His work rarely reached significant artistic heights", Lanmon wrote in an article on Charles.

He was "neither an expert draftsman nor an accomplished technician" although some of his works showed expertise in both draftsmanship and technique, she wrote.

[2] The cartoon (shown at the top of this article), was engraved by Charles in New York City in about 1813 and refers to the English-Russian War of 1812.

Charles depicts John Bull (Britain), Columbia (the United States) and a bruin (the bear traditionally representing Russia).

[3] Dialogue (from left to right):[3] John Bull: Pray Mr Bruin try if you can make up this little Difference between us-The Wasps and Hornets have Stung me so hard I wish I had never disturbed their Nests.

The 1814 cartoon attacks the Hartford Convention, a series of secret meetings New England Federalists held in December of that year.

Charles caricatures radical secessionist leader Timothy Pickering and also depicts as characters the convention members Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, along with British King George III.

[4] Pickering is shown on his knees in the center, saying: "I, Strongly and most fervently pray for the success of this great leap which will change my vulgar name into that of my Lord of Essex.

"[4] In the lower lefthand corner is a medallion inscribed with the names of Perry, McDonough, Hull, and other heroes of the War of 1812.

mercy on me -- What fellows those Baltimoreans are -- After the example of the Alexandrians I thought I had nothing to do but enter the Town and carry off the Booty -- And here is nothing but Defeat and Disgrace!!!"

Ross: "Deil [sic] tak that Republican rascal wi his Rifle gun for he's blawn my brains out."