Framed Edward Dickinson Baker (1811-1861) Autograph. Professionally framed and matted autograph and CDV of Baker. The autobiographical sketch included reads: "Edward Dickinson Baker (1811-1861), an English-born lawyer-politician, served in the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, led the Republican party in California, and returned to the U.S. Congress as a senator from Oregon. Famed for his spread-eagle oratory, he strongly impressed fellow Illinois Whig Abraham Lincoln, who named one of his sons after Baker. Baker served as a colonel in the Mexican War and in the spring of 1861 declined an appointment as brigadier general, for which he would have had to give up his Senate seat. He did, however, raise a regiment in Pennsylvania and led a brigade across the Potomac River to attack a Confederate camp at Leesburg, VA. Baker had inadequate means of retreat, was misinformed about the position and strength of his opponents and knew little of strategy or tactics. But he held a commission as major general-which he had neither accepted nor declined-from his old friend Lincoln and hoped for a quick dramatic victory that would enhance his career. Baker's death at the resulting Battle of Ball's Buff transformed an inept commander, but a popular politician, into a national hero. Though the Union suffered heavy losses, the Committee on the Conduct of the War, unwilling to blame the fallen Baker, instead ruined the career of Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone, the talented professional soldier in command who had only ordered a demonstration." The autographed slip of paper measures approx. 5/8" X 2 1/2". Frame measures 11 1/8" 12 1/8". The Larry Mangus Collection, Corinth, Mississippi.

Condition- Autograph and CDV are in good condition with some toning. See photos.