Figure 23 Johnny Bull and the Alexandrians, William Charles, 1814. Etching and aquatint. Sheet 9 3/4" x 13 1/2". (Courtesy, The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum.) Alexandrians are shown cowering and pleading with Johnny Bull, a symbol for England. The cartoon ridicules Alexandria’s 1814 surrender to the British in the War of 1812. The Alexandrians plead: “Pray Mr. Bull don’t be too hard with us—You know we were always friendly, even in the time of our Embargo!” Their words suggest that British goods might have reached the port of Alexandria during the embargo years.
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