[William Henry Seward]
Photograph
[William Henry Seward]
ca. 1850
Daguerreotype
Image: 4 3/4 × 3 1/2 in. (12.1 × 8.9 cm) (1/2 plate)
Case: 6 × 4 3/4 × 3/4 in. (15.2 × 12.1 × 1.9 cm)
Purchase
1969.0201.0039
Inscriptions Entry 682 in Mackay's notebook (located in library): Wm. Henry Seward- Half-plate fine dag. by Vannerson (N.Y.?) Seward (1801-1872) Lawyer, statesman, Gov. of N.Y. 1838. U.S. Senator 1849. Leading Senate orator & opponent of slavery. Was a whig & later foremost orator of new Republican party. Ran for Pres. 1860, but became ardent supporter of Lincoln whom convention nominated. He became Lincoln’s Sec. of State. Held that office also under Pres. Johnson (1861-1869) Averted War with England during Trent Affair, (Nov. 1861). Avoided trouble with France during rule & assassination of Maximilian in Mexico. Conducted arrangements for purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. It was known as “Seward’s Folly”. He was severely stabbed by one of conspirators at Lincoln’s assassination, but recovered. Happened Apr. 14, ’65 while he was confined to bed recovering from broken arm & jaw due to being thrown from his carriage. He was author of several fine volumes. This dag. & 2 preceding cost 100.00. This one worth 30.00, Marcy about 20.00, Pierce 50.00
