riddle me this

The Christmastime issue of Harper’s was full of “Humors of the Day.” Here’s a couple of examples. From the December 26, 1863 issue of Harper’s Weekly at Son of the South:

What’s the use of a seat of war to a standing army?

contrarian

Here is what we consider a manifest improvement on the old story of the “Friend in Need:”

A friend in need’s a friend indeed,

And this I’ve found most true;

But mine is such a needy friend

He sticks to me like glue.

Apparently the British view of the seat of war was focused on the capitals region.

London view of seat of war 1863