The Irrepressible Conflict, or The Republican Barge in Danger
(Currier & Ives, 1860, GLC 03489)
This cartoon reflects the bitterness among New York republicans after failing to nominate New York senator William H. Seward at its national convention in 1860 (Seward is being thrown overboard). In an effort to reassure the passengers of the "Republican Barge" Lincoln explains, "I'll take the helm. I've steered a "flat" boat before," a reference to Lincoln's trips down the Mississippi River during his youth.
This cartoon was probably printed shortly after Lincoln's nomination for president, Among those in the barge are Lincoln (far left), Horace Greeley, who is saying "Over you go Billy! Between you and I there is an "Irrepressible Conflict," and Missourian Edward Bates, who is saying "Over with him Horace, never mind his kicking!"
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