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ONE OF THE YOUNG BO-HOYS IN ECSTACIES BEFORE THE COONS OF 1844.
   
Complete Explanation:
A satire, puzzling in its precise meaning, on the ascendance of the radical wing of the Whig party in New York's gubernatorial election of 1846. Influential radical journalist Horace Greeley dances a jig to the music of an ensemble of raccoon musicians. He is called "One of the "Young" Bo-hoys" because of his support of successful liberal Whig candidate John Young, who defeated Democratic incumbent governor Silas Wright. Greeley exults, "Where's Webbs 30,000 men in Buckram now?" a defiant reference to conservative Whig editor James Watson Webb. (Shakespeare's Falstaff brags about men in buckram in "Henry IV," Part One.)

The raccoons, symbolizing Henry Clay's supporters in the 1844 election, are optimistic about the outlook for the next presidential race.

Violinist: "Play up Clays Grand March for 1848!"

Horn player: "Don't commit yourself Brother Coon!"

Drummer: "We are always committed to Harry of the West!"

Cellist: "I go that-he is the only man for our side of the House!"

Flutist: "10,000 for Young! what a change in a year!"

Trumpeter: "Wait until spring & you will see another great Victory brother!"

On the far right a coon holds up sheet music entitled "For [ex-governor Silas] Wright is a used up man."


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