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JAMES SHIELDS Brig General during the Civil War & Senator 1866 stipple engraving

JAMES SHIELDS Brig General during the Civil War & Senator 1866 stipple engraving

$ 39.6

Availability: 47 in stock
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Theme: Militaria
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Modified Item: No
  • Conflict: Civil War (1861-65)
  • Condition: fine condition
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Item must be returned within: 14 Days
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back

    Description

    Original steel plate stipple engraving of the Civil War Major General by John Chester Buttre c. 1866.  The engraving measures 7" x 9.75".
    James Shields (1806 – 1879) was an Irish American Democratic politician and Army officer, who is the only person in American to serve as a Senator for three different states. Shields represented Illinois from 1849 to 1855, Minnesota from 1858 to 1859 and Missouri in 1879.
    Born and educated in Ireland, Shields emigrated to North America in 1826. He was briefly a sailor, and spent time in Quebec, before settling in Illinois, where he studied and practiced law. In 1836, he was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives, and later as State Auditor. His work as auditor was criticized by a young Abraham Lincoln, who (with his then fiancee, Mary Todd) published a series of inflammatory pseudonymous letters in a local paper. Shields challenged Lincoln to a duel, and the two nearly fought on September 22, 1842, before making peace, and eventually becoming friends.
    In 1845, Shields was appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court, from which he resigned to become Commissioner of the U.S. General Land Office. At the outbreak of the Mexican American War, he left the Land Office to take an appointment as Brigadier General of volunteers. He served with distinction and was twice wounded. In 1848, Shields was appointed to and confirmed by the Senate as the first governor of the Oregon Territory, which he declined. After serving as Senator from Illinois, he moved to Minnesota and there founded the town of Shieldsville. He was then elected as Senator from Minnesota. He served in the Civil War and at the Battle of Kernstown, his troops inflicted the only tactical defeat of Stonewall Jackson in the war. Shields resigned his commission shortly thereafter. After moving multiple times, Shields settled in Missouri, and served again for three months in the Senate. He died in 1879, and represents Illinois in the National Statuary Hall..
    In fine state.
    Harmonie Autographs and Music, Inc.
    Appraiser & Music Antiquarian
    New York, New York
    All items guaranteed authentic