Item No. 2371872

Signature card reads “Nathaniel P. Banks / Waltham / 27. October 1888—Mass.” This appears to be the verso of a CDV-size photo card, although the photograph once on the other side is no longer there. Measures 4 1/8” x 2 1/2”. A native a Waltham, Massachusetts, Nathaniel P. Banks was a politician in the pre-war years, serving as US Representative from Massachusetts from 1853-57, including an eleven-month stint as Speaker of the House. He served as governor of Massachusetts between 1858 and 1861. He advanced to the rank of major general during the Civil War, participating in or leading a number of campaigns in Virginia and Louisiana.