JOHN B. BALDWIN (1820-1873) Virginia lawyer and Democratic politician, a Unionist delegate to the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861. On April 4, 1861, Baldwin represented the Convention's Unionist leadership at a secret one-hour interview with Lincoln at the White House. His mission failed and he returned to Virginia to serve as a representative to the First and Second Confederate Congresses where he became one of the leading critics of President Jefferson Davis, who was seen by many as usurping the Confederacy's states' rights principles. He also served as a colonel of the 52nd Virginia Infantry. A wonderful 'memento mori', a gold locket containing a carefully woven lock of Balwin's hair beneath a domed glass cover, surrounded by a Greek key design. The reverse is delicately engraved: 'In memory of John B. Baldwin Jan. 11th 1820 Sept. 30th 1873'. Pin and hook catch on the reverse, 1 1/8 in. diameter. Obtained in a private purchase in Baldwin's home town of Staunton, Va. Fine condition.