19th century Autograph and Engraving of Civil War General Benjamin F. Butler of Massachusetts

Rare autograph of a colorful Massachusetts politician who opposed Lincoln in the 1860 presidential election but immediately gave his support to the Union on the outbreak of the Civil War. Butler was a Brigadier General in the Massachusetts militia and during the Fort Sumpter crisis rushed his unit to protect Washington. On May 13, 1861, Butler and his troops captured Baltimore. Impressed by his loyalty, President Lincoln promoted him to the rank of Major General.