The Wasp — 1890 — page 45: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This is a narrative story rather than a political cartoon. It describes a Fourth of July celebration in 1862 at a mining camp in Trinity County, California, during the Civil War era. The plot involves a miner named Steele who is accused of theft by an Alcalde (local magistrate). The camp organizes a miners' court with elected judge and sheriff, conducting a trial. After Steele is convicted, the narrative focuses on the redemptive power of American patriotism—the miners choose to celebrate American independence rather than execute justice, ultimately pardoning Steele and releasing him to celebrate the Fourth of July together. The story appears to emphasize themes of American unity, mercy, and national pride during the Civil War period.