Washburne, Elihu, 1816-1887.

Born in Maine, studied law at Kent's Hill Seminary and Harvard Law School, settled in Galena, Illinois and ran for Congress in 1852, was elected as a Whig and again in 1856, 1860 and 1862. Strong supporter of Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant who appointed him Secretary of State. He resigned this position quickly to accept diplomatic post in France where he served until 1877 when he retired to Chicago and spent much time studying and writing history.

From the description of Papers, 1856-1877. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 54025459

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