Famous for his 1861 American flag dispatch, "If anyone attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot!" This became a very famous clarion call in the Northern states during the American Civil War!

New York Secretary of State

United States Senator from New York

Governor of New York

(1798-1879) Joined the United States Army in 1813. He was the New York Secretary of State, 1833-39, and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1845. In January 1861, President James Buchanan appointed him Secretary of the Treasury, and on January 29, 1861, he made his famous American flag dispatch to a treasury official in New Orleans, Louisiana, "If anyone attempts to haul down the American flag, shoot him on the spot," which became a clarion call in the North at the commencement of the Civil War! Commissioned a Major General by President Abraham Lincoln, on May 16, 1861, he was the first one appointed on this list, thus outranking all other volunteer officers during the Civil War. He commanded the following military departments: the Department of Pennsylvania; the Middle Military Department; the Department of Virginia; and the Department of the East. He made an important and distinguished contribution to the Union cause when he suppressed the 1863 New York City draft riots. Was elected Governor of New York State in 1872.

Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Full standing view wearing a double breasted frock coat with epaulets and tank of major general. His sash and rectangular eagle belt plate are also clearly visible. He is posing with his sword at his front with the tip touching the floor. 1862 M.B. Brady, New York imprint on the front mount. Back mark: E. & H.T. Anthony, 501 Broadway, New York, From a Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery. Some mounting traces on the reverse. Very sharp image. Very fine.