The Rats Leaving a Falling House political cartoon, 1831

In this satire, Andrew Jackson's cabinet members, who are pictured as rats, have resigned as Jackson's chair collapses under him due to the Peggy Eaton scandal. Resignation papers fill the wall behind Jackson and the rats scurry across the floor. From left to right: Secretary of War John H. Eaton, Secretary of the Navy John Branch, Secretary of State Martin Van Buren, and Treasury Secretary Samuel D. Ingham. Andrew Jackson has his foot pressed firmly on Martin Van Buren's tail. To the left is the alter of reform where a devilish figure is shown with the head of a donkey and broom in hand.