A satirical print depicting a ship departing with gold prospectors from California, 1849.

This print was created by lithographer Nathaniel Currier and published in New York. In the dialogue bubbles, “Solomon” and “Ophir” are Biblical references. In the Bible, King Solomon was fantastically wealthy, and Ophir was the name of the place from which Solomon received regular shipments of gold, silver, and other precious materials.

Transcription:

The text bubbles on this print read:

[[object Object]]

It’s no use talking, cant take any more, we have gold enough aboard to sink a navy.

Bill I’m afraid this old concern will sink and then what’ll become of all our gold?

It will go to the D__l and you with it.

[[object Object]]

You wont catch me going away from home agin [[object Object]] without my mother knows I’m out.

Oh for the wisdom of Solomon!

They say that this is the “Ophir” where he sent for gold, but he was too wise to go himself.

Captain, you know we were to go shares, when we left home, you’ve got yours aboard and now are scoundrel enough to leave me here to starve.

Take me aboard. I’m starving I’ll give you a Million!