[Stephen A. Douglas]
Photograph
Unidentified
Maker
[Stephen A. Douglas]
ca. 1854
Daguerreotype
Image: 4 3/4 × 3 1/2 in. (12.1 × 8.9 cm) (1/2 plate)
Case: 6 × 4 7/8 × 1 in. (15.2 × 12.4 × 2.5 cm)
Purchase
1969.0201.0037
Inscriptions Entry 414 in Mackay's notebook (located in library): Handsome large daguerreotype of Stephen Arnold Douglas. Born at Brandon,VT. In 1813. Died 1861. Went West & settled in Ill. Studied law. Became attorney-general of Ill. Before age of 22. Because U.S. Senator after holding most state offices in Ill. Reelected for U.S. Senate over Lincoln in 1858. Famous Lincoln-Douglas debate. Was pro-slave democrat & advocated Popular Sovereignty of States, but not to extent of breaking up union and war. Douglas ran against Lincoln for Pres. in 1860. When Republican Lincoln won, Southern Democratic slave states started to secede from Union. Douglas spent whole energy in trying to preserve union. Though a Democrat, he was strong for union and against rebellion. He gave an eloquent speech in Chicago May 1, 1861 in which he condemned Southern States for action against govt. He took sick right after this Chicago speech with phlegmatic fever, and died month later, June 3, 1861. His last words were to urge consolidation of political parties in support of Federal Gov’t, and to advice his children to “support Constitution and the laws”. This daguerreotype of Douglas obtained from A.D. Van Dyke, Antiques, 37 Russell St., Worcester, Mass. It was “sold in Wilkin Sale for $100.” (I paid $20.00). Taken on real silver plate. Died at age of 48. Was called the “Little Giant” because of his small stature but strong personality.
