The American people: a word corresponding to John Bull. See also BROTHER JONATHAN.

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1816.  

        John didn’t mind, but took our ships,
  And kidnapp’d our true sailors,
And Jonathan resolv’d to play
  The d—l among the whalers.
Analectic Mag., vii. 311 (April).    

2

1818.  The President’s lady [Mrs. Monroe] visits no one. This is very proper; but Jonathan’s wife does not like it; she wants a gossiping visit or two.—Mass. Spy, May 13.

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1837.  John Bull has been at his ease, while Jonathan has been in trouble.—Mr. Niles of Conn., U.S. Senate, Sept. 23: Congressional Globe, p. 194, App.

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1841.  The English Privy Council would say, God grant that this man may remain here as Jonathan’s minister till the end of time; we may be sure he never will know any thing of our real intentions.—John Q. Adams, House of Repr., Sept. 4: id., p. 434, App.

5

1846.  Jonathan was hard to provoke; but when once you did get him up, he remained at a dead white heat for a long while.—Mr. Root of Ohio, the same, Dec. 24: id., p. 86.

6

1848.  Jonathan is declared to be in his right in supporting his diplomatic agents like private gentlemen.—Mr. Ingersoll of Pa., the same, June 30: id., p. 818, App.

7

1850.  Jonathan, sir, is said to be an In-di-vid-u-al not only remarkably qualified for attending to his own business, but who has a penchant for looking a little into the business of his neighbors.—Mr. Calvin of Pa., the same, May 15: id., p. 611, App.

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