Lawyer and Whig politician (1801–1872). Governor of New York from 1839-42. He later served in the Senate, vigorously opposed slavery and joined the Republican party in 1856. Twice passed over for president (1856 and 1860) he became Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State. He was savagely attacked in his bed on the night of the Lincoln assassination by fellow conspirator Lewis Payne. He recovered from his wounds and served in the same post under President Andrew Johnson. Perhaps his most important act was the purchase of Alaska, then called "Seward's Folly," in 1867 from Russia. Wet plate, albumen 4 x 2.5 carte-de-visite photo. Outdoor group shot taken in upstate New York, of US Secretary of State William H. Seward, posing with a group of foreign diplomats, with a waterfall in the background. Imprint on the reverse: Entered according to act of Congress, by W.J. Baker, in the year 1863, in the Clerk's Court of the Northern District of NY. There is a printed label on the reverse of the card with a numbered key listing the individuals who appear in this view and also includes their titles. This has been mounted over the original backmark of the photo. The backmark reads, “W.J. Bakers Photographic Studio, 12 Tibbetts Block, Utica, NY.” In fine condition, with light toning and edge wear. RRAuction COA.
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