(1811-1861) United States Senator for Oregon, a close friend of President Lincoln who introduced him at his inauguration. Killed in action as colonel of the 4th Illinois Infantry at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, while reinforcing a poorly-planned assault on a Confederate camp. He is the only sitting U.S. senator to die in battle. Very rare manuscript D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., [n.d., n.p.], as guardian ad litem for an unnamed infant involved in a court case, stating that no sufficient writ has been served on the said infant and insisting upon the legal rights of all parties concerned. He signs boldly ‘E D Baker’ in black ink at the conclusion, adding ‘guardian ad litem’. Slightly ragged and toned at the edges, with a horizontal fold, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. Sold with a period frontispiece engraving of Baker, with his facsimile signature beneath his portrait.