A one-cent U.S. postal card written and signed in pencil by John Boyle O'Reilly (1844–1890) — Irish-born poet, Fenian, escaped convict, and editor of the Boston Pilot. In full: "Dear Sir — Send letter for Gen. Shields to me. J. Boyle O'Reilly, Editor of the Pilot."

The "Gen. Shields" is almost certainly Brigadier General James Shields (1810–1879), the Irish-born war hero and the only man to serve as U.S. Senator from three states. The 1870s "Liberty" postal card is postally used with a Boston cancel, addressed in O'Reilly's hand to a Mr. Jas. E. MacDonald of a Springfield, Mass. society. A genuine autograph of one of the great figures of the Irish diaspora, signed in his editorial capacity.

Condition: light toning and soiling, vertical mailing fold, pencil fully legible.  [ss][ph:L]

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