The Wasp — 1894 — page 77: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

The main cartoon depicts **Captain Delaney**, a decorated officer of the Third Regiment described in the accompanying text as having an impressive military record and numerous medals from service in California during the Civil War era. The satire appears to target his extravagant display of honors—the text notes he has "so many trophies of martial prowess" that he "looks every inch the soldier he is." The cartoon's title "Under Fire" is ironic, suggesting criticism of his showy medal-wearing and self-promotion rather than actual combat. The accompanying article in "Personalities" section uses gentle mockery to comment on military vanity and the gap between decorated appearance and actual battlefield competence—a recurring theme in satirical publications of this era.