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E(dward) D(ickinson) Baker.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:200.00 USD Estimated At:400.00 - 500.00 USD
E(dward) D(ickinson) Baker.
Born in England. A fascinating character, the second Union officer killed in action, and the only U.S. Senator killed in action in the Civil War. Close friend of Lincoln from pioneer days in Ill., serving in Springfield and as Congressman, in fact defeating Lincoln in an early race. Abe named his second son for Baker. Moving to San Francisco, Baker became leader of the California Bar; relocating to Oregon, elected Sen. - one of the few in history to serve in Congress from two different states. Declining appointment as Brig. Gen. at outbreak of the war, his 71st Penna. was named the "First California" in his honor. Baker was killed on Oct. 21, 1861, while leading a "desperate charge" at Ball's Bluff, Va. "Authorized to make a 'slight demonstration' against Confederate forces...in a brave but tactically inept operation Baker got his command ambushed...Total Federal losses were 921..."--Boatner. Ironically, Baker had foreseen his demise on July 4, 1860, speaking before an Oregon campaign crowd: "If it be reserved for me to lay my unworthy life upon the altar of my country in defending it from internal assailants, I declare here today that I aspire to no higher glory than that the sun of my life may go down beneath the shadow of freedom's temple and baptize the emblem of the nation's greatness, the Stars and Stripes, that float so proudly before us today..."--The Contest for California: How Col. E.D. Baker Saved the Pacific States for the Union, Elijah Kennedy, 1912. A sprawling example, with "Oregon" also in his hand. The first example we recall handling. Rare.