[BIOGRAPHY]. CONDON, William Henry. Life of Major-General James Shields: Hero of Three Wars and Senator from Three States. Chicago: Press of the Blakeley Printing Co., 1900. [1-3] 4, [1] 2-387 [1, blank] pp., text illustrations. 8vo (24 x 16.5 cm), original green gilt lettered and decorated cloth with full image of Shields in his brigadier general uniform. Spine discolored, hinges open. Interior very fine. Rare in commerce.

First edition. Connor & Faulk 704. Tutorow 3771.

Chapters 7-9 concern Shield’s service in the war, starting with Taylor in Texas, after when he was transferred to Scott’s forces and participated in the battles of Veracruz and Mexico City. Condon bases his narrative heavily on secondary sources and gives accurate descriptions of the battles.

Soldier and politician Shields (1810-1879), a native of Ireland, has the distinction of being the only person in United States history to serve as a U.S. senator from three separate states. Although he seems to have served honorably in the Mexican-American War, his service in the Civil War was without distinction. Condon was a prime mover is raising funds for Shields statue in the National Statuary Hall.