Cassius M. Clay, Integral U.S. Minister to Russia, Signed CDV

Measuring 2.375" x 3.75", St. Petersburg, Russia, dated 1865. A vignette portrait of Cassius M. Clay, signed on verso "To E.B. French from his friend C.M. Clay 1865." Captioned below the image in another hand. Backstamp for Bergamasco, Photographer of the Imperial Theaters, No. 12. With uneven toning and foxing throughout. Darker toning on verso. Boldly signed by Clay.

Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903), nicknamed the "Lion of White Hall", was appointed U.S. Minister to Russia by President Lincoln in 1861. Prior to departing for Russia, Clay organized a group of volunteers to protect the White House and Naval Yard, known as Cassius M. Clay's Washington Guards, due to the fact that there were no Federal troops in D.C. at the time the war started. For this service, Lincoln presented Clay with a special presentation Colt revolver. As the war raged on, Clay was instrumental in gaining Russian support for the Union. Under orders from Emperor Alexander II, Russia was to threaten war against both Britain and France if they officially recognized the Confederacy. In 1862, Clay was recalled to the U.S. and Lincoln offered him a commission as a major general in the Union Army. However, Clay refused to accept the promotion unless Lincoln would emancipate the slaves in Confederate control. Lincoln ultimately issued the Emancipation Proclamation in late 1862.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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