The great English funny paper, London “Punch,” printed this cartoon on
September 27th, 1862. It is intended to convey the idea that Lincoln,
having asserted that the war would be over in ninety days, had not
redeemed his word: The text under the Cartoon in Punch was:
MR. SOUTH TO MR. NORTH: “Your ‘ninety-day’ promissory note isn’t taken
up yet, sirree!”
The tone of the cartoon is decidedly unfriendly. The North finally took
up the note, but the South had to pay it. “Punch” was not pleased
with the result, but “Mr. North” did not care particularly what this
periodical thought about it. The United States, since then, has been
prepared to take up all of its obligations when due, but it must be
acknowledged that at the time this cartoon was published the outlook was
rather dark and gloomy. Lincoln did not despair, however; but although
business was in rather bad shape for a time, the financial skies finally
cleared, business was resumed at the old stand, and Uncle Sam’s credit
is now as good, or better, than other nations’ cash in hand.