First Brawl in the House of Representatives, 1798 Cartoon. Titled "Congressional Pugilists," 7 x 9 in. Beautifully matted and framed to 14 x 16½ in. Depicting a Feb. 15, 1798 incident in which Vermont congressman Matthew Lyon, a radical Democratic Republican, who spit in Roger Griswold's face because of an alleged insult, was attacked by Griswold, a Federalist from Connecticut. Lyon is shown defending himself with a pair of fire tongs. The other congressmen eventually pulled the combatants apart without injury. Neither Lyon nor Griswold was expelled from the House.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
Colonial and Revolutionary America
