CDV is a waist-up view of US Senator James Asheton Bayard. He is wearing a dark colored civilian frock coat, vest, white shirt and cravat. Bottom of mount is labeled, “BRADY, WASHINGTON”.

Reverse does not have a photographer’s imprint.

James Asheton Bayard, Jr. (November 15, 1799 – June 13, 1880) was an American lawyer and politician from Delaware. He was a member of the Democratic Party and served as U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Bayard was born in Wilmington, Delaware. His father, James A. Bayard, was a member of the Federalist Party and served as U.S. Representative and Senator from Delaware. His mother, Nancy Bassett Bayard,   was the daughter of Richard Bassett, signatory to the United States Constitution and Senator from Delaware. His older brother, Richard H. Bayard, was also a U.S. Senator from Delaware.

Bayard studied the law, and began his legal practice in the city of Wilmington. From 1836 until 1843 he served as United States Attorney for Delaware. In 1851 he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He was re-elected in 1857 and 1863, and served from March 4, 1851, to January 29, 1864, when he resigned.

Bayard served on the boards of various railroads, including the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad (for which service he is named on the 1839 Newkirk Viaduct Monument), and the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Bayard was a conservative and adhered to his interpretation of tradition throughout the American Civil War. He believed the South should be allowed to secede peacefully, and privately hoped for the secession of Delaware and a state convention to address the issue. Citing property rights of owners, he opposed abolitionist measures. He also stated both his opposition to the Civil War and his opposition to any presidential or congressional acts used to suppress the independence of the Southern states.

During the Civil War, the Senate required all senators to swear an oath of loyalty to the Union. Bayard refused, stating that such an oath would be unconstitutional, and after taking the oath and giving a long speech disputing its legality, resigned from the Senate.

The death of his successor, George R. Riddle, on 29 March 1867, left the Senate seat vacant. Bayard interrupted his practice of law in Wilmington and accepted appointment to the vacant seat. He was subsequently elected to fill it, and served again from April 5, 1867, to March 4, 1869. During the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson, Bayard voted "not guilty." After declining to run again for re-election, he returned to private practice for several years until poor health incapacitated him.

Bayard died at Wilmington and is buried there in the Old Swedes Episcopal Church Cemetery. He was the father of U.S. Senator Thomas F. Bayard, Sr. and grandfather of U.S. Senator Thomas F. Bayard, Jr.

Image is clear and the contrast is good. Surface has some light dirt from age. Image has yellowed with time.

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