United States Senator from Missouri

United States Secretary of the Interior

(1829-1906) Revolutionary, orator, ambassador, Senator, editor, and Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War all describe the Prussian born Carl Schurz. A very staunch proponent of abolition, he vigorously campaigned for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. Commissioned a brigadier general, April 15, 1862, his appointment had a positive effect on many loyal German-Americans who took up arms for the Union. He was immediately assigned to command of a division of John C. Fremont's Army, then in the Shenandoah Valley. He fought most creditable in the 2nd battle of Bull Run, but at the key battles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg his division was routed. Having been promoted to Major General to rank from March 17, 1863, he was then sent to the western theater to serve under General Joseph Hooker. He spoke throughout the North on behalf of President Lincoln's re-election in 1864, and served as chief of staff to General Henry W. Slocum during the 1865 Carolina's campaign. For 40 years after the Civil War he was a lecturer, Senator, and editor of 5 different publications. He was a tireless advocate of negro equality and had a large influence on every presidential election from 1860 to 1904.

Signature: 3 1/4 x 2, in ink, C. Schurz. Large bold autograph.