The Wasp — 1879 — page 452: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

This political cartoon depicts a man in a boat on the Potomac River, with the White House visible in the background. The caption references General Grant capturing the Pennsylvania delegation, with text indicating Grant has instructed Pennsylvania's representatives to vote for him at an upcoming National Convention. The cartoon satirizes Grant's political maneuvering and apparent influence over delegates. The figure in the boat appears to represent someone observing or responding to Grant's political machinations—possibly a political opponent or skeptical observer. The "ominous sign" of the title suggests the cartoonist views Grant's control of the Pennsylvania delegation as a troubling development for the political process, implying undue influence rather than genuine democratic representation.