Description

Racist caricature lampooning free African Americans' summer celebratory processions commemorating the anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by the United States in 1808. Shows a Philadelphia street scene with an African American peddler and an African American shoe shiner. The peddler carries a basket and exclaims, "Philadelphia Uly 14, 1825 & little arter." The shoe shiner holds a rack of boots and responds "That is de day ob de grand Celebrahsun." Also shows two African American boys, one with his hands playfully raised in the air, in the background. Also contains several lines of text in black dialect with malapropisms addressed to "Peter Mink, de Chief Marshal ob de day, he Majesty de President per order Pompey Peterl, President and Snappo Gripes, Secretary" printed below the image. Text explicates the appropriate attire and manners expected during the celebratory procession, including "two sleebes to dare coat"; "trousaloon be all ob light complexion"; and "de Soulger dat know he duty always hold upun head like Lamb Tail an look savage like Meat Ax." Also details the punishment for "neglec to discomply," including "whip to death"; "fine of 40 shillings"; and placement in "de House of Destruction for Ninety nine years."; Forms part of: Life in Philadelphia (London).

Record Contributed By

The Library Company of Philadelphia

Record Harvested From

PA Digital