The Wasp — 1879 — page 215: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This page from *The Wasp* commemorates the 14th U.S. Infantry encamped at the Presidio in 1865, depicting "incidents of their bravery" witnessed by the magazine's artist. The six sketches show soldiers engaging in camp life: wearing uniforms, disposing of whiskey arms, returning from foraging, sharing meals, and taking "delicate attentions" around the fort. The satirical thrust appears to mock soldier conduct rather than celebrate it—particularly their relationship with alcohol and leisure activities during a military encampment. The captions' somewhat ironic tone ("gallant," "delicate attentions") suggests the artist is gently lampooning everyday camp behavior as less than heroic. The lengthy column discusses market economics and cornering commodities, seemingly unrelated to the illustrations above.