613

N.P. Banks.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:40.00 USD Estimated At:80.00 - 110.00 USD
N.P. Banks.
Of Mass. Union Gen. Prewar Gov. of Mass., elected to Congress in 1854 Know Nothing landslide, serving in ten Congresses in all. Chairman of first Republican convention, bringing together antislavery advocates. Banks' arduous election to Speaker of the House - taking 133 ballots - is considered the first national victory of the Republican Party. Declined Know Nothing nomination for Pres., the nod going to Fillmore. Defeated Stonewall Jackson at Kernstown, though "ill-advised reorganizations ordered from Washington helped make Banks a victim of Jackson's brilliant strategic diversion...At Cedar Mountain he was outgeneraled and defeated again by Jackson"--Boatner. Active in purchase of Alaska (Banks also sought to buy Canada and Caribbean islands), and promoter of women's suffrage. In his hand, "Waltham, Mass." In storm-grey ink. Trivial light edge toning, else choice.