Storming the Castle

In this cartoon commentary on the election of 1860, presidential contenders John Bell, Stephen Douglas, and John C. Breckinridge attempt to break into the White House but are caught in the act by Abraham Lincoln, dressed as a member of the Wide Awakes. Upon seeing Lincoln, Constitutional Party candidate John Bell warns Democratic Party candidate Stephen Douglas to hurry. Douglas, however, is unable to unlock the White House door. Meanwhile, from inside the White House, outgoing president James Buchanan tries, unsuccessfully, to help his vice president, John C. Breckinridge, climb through a window. In despair, Breckinridge cries that he will have to dissolve the Union.