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STRAYED.
   
Complete Explanation:
An exultant view of the rout, by Union forces commanded by Capt. Nathaniel Lyon, of troops under Gen. Sterling Price and Claiborne F. Jackson at Boonville, Missouri, in June 1861. Jackson, the secessionist governor of Missouri, had been driven from the state capital, Jefferson City. He and other members of his government retreated along with Confederate commander Price and his troops. Overtaken by Lyon at Boonville on June 17, they were then forced to flee in separate directions.

The artist makes a play on a commonplace of the time--the public notice of strayed animals. Jackson is the subject of this notice. He is portrayed here as an ass, strayed "from the neighbourhood of Boonville, Mo. on the 18th inst[ant] a mischievous JACK who was frightened and run away from his Leader by the sudden appearance of a Lion." The notice continues "He is of no value whatever and only a low Price can be given for his capture. [Signed:] Sam." On the outskirts of the city, the ass stands on top of a small rise, clearly alarmed by the approach of federal troops led by a lion (Lyon). On the right a terrified General Price crouches (apparently defecating) as his panicked troops flee in the background.


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