Item No. 5937725

A CDV portrait of Horatio Seymour, wartime governor of New York. The reverse bears the imprint of the New York photographer Jeremiah Gurney. The image was part of the album of Bernard J. D. Irwin, the noted army surgeon, naturalist, and Medal of Honor recipient. The image has been very slightly trimmed to about 2 3/8” x 4”.

Seymour served as governor of New York during the Civil War, holding office from 1863 to 1864. A prominent Democrat, he was known for his opposition to several Lincoln administration policies, including the military draft, and his tenure coincided with the New York City Draft Riots of 1863, during which he played a visible role in attempting to restore order. Though often critical of the conduct of the war, he remained committed to the Union. After the war, Seymour remained active in national politics and was nominated as the Democratic candidate for president in 1868, though he was defeated by Ulysses S. Grant.

Measures about 2 3/8” x 4” and in very good condition, with light wear. A desirable political CDV from the Civil War era, enhanced by its New York imprint and its association with the Irwin album.