Prominent abolitionist leader (1810–1903) known as the 'Lion of Whitehall.' An ardent supporter of Lincoln, he served as American Minister to Russia from 1862 to 1869, in which capacity he was instrumental in negotiations for the purchase of Alaska. AQS signed "C. M. Clay," on a 7 x 4 album page, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, December 30, 1854. Clay pens a poignant abolitionist quote, in full: "Liberty is the noblest give of God to man." In fine condition, with a faint central vertical fold, and light show-through from old mounting remnants on the back.
For his anti-slavery views, Clay survived an assassination attempt (while wounded, he cut out his assailant's eyes with a Bowie Knife). He helped found the Republican Party, served as U.S. Minister to Russia at the start of the Civil War, and then became a Major General in the Union Army. He left the Republican Party in 1872 and supported Horace Greeley. Clay sought the vice presidential nomination in the Democratic Party in 1876, but Governor Thomas K. Hendricks was chosen instead. He later returned to the Republican Party, became eccentric, and married a 15-year old in his 80s.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
