This cartoon was published in a Southern magazine in 1864. The apparent message of this particular cartoon is that Lincoln does not take his job very seriously and is extremely careless with his words and actions. It also suggest that his surrounding cast in his cabinet is unfit for those type of high level postions and are less than the equivalent of a dog in the eyes of the American public. Lincoln isn't necessarily displayed as goofy, or disproportional, but instead as oblivious to both his surroundings and his actions. Lincoln is in a situation in which he is isolated and working on the fly, making rash decisions and not weighting the consequences. The artist uses a gun as a symbol of a phrase that he is often marked for using, "to whom it may concern" which also serves to show his detachment with the American people and his obvious ignorance to issues surrounding the country. This cartoon appeals to southern plantation owners and pro-slavery voters because it portrays Lincoln as unknowingly and carelessly wrecking the economy of the US by making rash decisions about slavery-an institution that is hightly utilized in the southeastern states. The cartoon would most definitely offend the cabinet of Lincoln and probably the President himself because of its attrocious claims and accusations, but it would also offend the northerners who solely support Lincoln and his administration.
This cartoon was published by an unknown artist in a southern newspaper distributed across cities throughout South Carolina. the message of this cartoon is to make people believe that Lincoln has no reason behind the decisions that he makes and the legislation that he supports. When the state of South Carolina, symbolized by an oddly dressed individual with a stern expression, demands changes, Lincoln tries to avoid the subject because he appears to have no response as to how he's going to handle the complaint. Lincoln is displayed as completely exhausted and unprofessional by the way that he's sitting. He has important documents crumpled on the floor, while his trash can is full of crumpled, failed attempts at written bills he is looking to pass during his term. He appears bored with his job and is in a very hostile situation with "South Carolina." This cartoon appeals to the Southern audience, again over the largest issue of the time, slavery and the expansion of the horrid institution. It would definitely offend northerners who support Lincoln's legistlative strides, including the Emancipation Proclamation.