Memorial of Col. John B. Baldwin of Staunton, Virginia - 1874

This copy of the Memorial of Col. John B. Baldwin of Staunton, Virginia was published in Staunton in 1874, following his death on September 30, 1873. The introduction to the memorial consists of the statement "The various tributes of respect, admiration and affection for Col. Baldwin, which his death called forth, have been collected and are printed in the present form for the gratification of his personal friends...The many letters received by Col. B's family, are highly and gratefully appreciated by them; but nearly all are of so private a character as to render their appearance, even in a collection of this kind, inappropriate."

The booklet, which measures approximately 6 x 9 inches, contains 46 pages enclosed in brown paper covers with black lettering on the front. The text is divided in sections which are named Biographical Sketch (pages 4-13), Tributes of Respect, &c. (pages 14-32), and Extracts From the Press (pages 33-46). The booklet's covers show some dirt, chipping along the edges, and partial separation of the spine. The pages of the booklet are in very good condition, with little tanning and text that is clear and easily read. The overall condition of the booklet is good.

The illustrations accompanying this description show the front cover, the first page of the Biographical Sketch, the first page of the Tributes of Respect, &c., and the first page of the Extracts From The Press.

John Brown Baldwin (January 11, 1820 – September 30, 1873) was a Virginia lawyer and Democratic politician, who served one term in the Virginia House of Delegates before the Virginia Secession Convention of 1861, during which he was a Unionist. During the American Civil War, Baldwin believed his primary loyalty was to his state, and served as one of Virginia's representatives to the First and Second Confederate Congresses. He became one of the leading critics of President Jefferson Davis, who was seen by many as usurping the Confederacy's states' rights principles. During Congressional Reconstruction, Baldwin became Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. [Wikipedia]