First image is full standing view of Gov. William Alfred Buckingham. Trimmed and bottom corner of image torn away. No backmark.

Second image shows Buckingham seated in the center of nine staff officers. Several officers have swords visible. Photo is clear with good contrast. Reverse has photographer’s imprint, BUNDY & WILLIAMS of New Haven, CT along with ink caption “Gov. Buckingham & Staff”.

Winning the 1858 Republican gubernatorial nomination, Buckingham was elected and served as the 41^st governor of CT. He was reelected to the governorship the next seven years, serving from May 5, 1858, until May 2, 1866. Buckingham arranged for troops, with 54 companies enlisting. Before the General Assembly appropriated $2 million for military expenses, Buckingham had begun borrowing money in his own name to finance Connecticut's war efforts.

The outbreak of the Civil War was the major reason for Buckingham's long tenure as Connecticut's governor. A strong supporter of Lincoln, when the President called on the Northern governors to assist him in prosecuting the war, Buckingham worked seven days a week, twelve hours a day. Concerned for the welfare of Connecticut troops, he oversaw much of the procurement of men and materials for the war, and he is quoted as saying to an official in Washington: "Don't let any Connecticut man suffer for want of anything that can be done for him. If it costs money, draw on me for it." It is estimated that Connecticut sent 54,882 soldiers to fight in the Civil War. In 1862, the United States Congress passed an act allowing for the enlistment of colored soldiers, and in November 1863, Buckingham persuaded the Connecticut General Assembly to authorize a state regiment of black soldiers, the first of which was the 29^th Regt. Buckingham is known as a "War Governor" for his work.

Buckingham declined renomination in 1866, and after leaving office, was elected to the U.S. Senate on March 4, 1869, and served until his death on February 5, 1875.   [jet]

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