The Army Mule - Humorous War Sketches (Signed)

Castle, Captain Henry A.

The Bowen Merrill Company, 1898

Inscribed by Captain Henry A. Castle on front end page. Bound in red pictorial cloth. Top edge gilt. Hardcover. Good binding and cover. Shelf wear. Light foxing. Pages unmarked. *Autographed by author.*

"Henry Anson Castle's career, which spanned more than fifty years, was characterized by many diverse activities and interests. He was noted for his roles as a Civil War veteran, lawyer, journalist, real estate and railroad developer, politician, and author, and for his involvement in St. Paul civic affairs. After graduating from McKendree College in 1862, Castle fought in the Civil War with the 73rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment as a private and a sergeant major. He was wounded in the hand during the battle of Stone River in 1863 and chose to accept a medical discharge from the Army when he learned that he would not be commissioned. In 1864 he raised the 137th Illinois Volunteer Regiment and served as its captain. During the 1870s and 1880s Castle established himself in political and business spheres in St. Paul. An avid Republican, he developed associations with many Republican politicians. Cushman K. Davis became a life-long friend and associate whom Castle actively promoted for political offices. Castle was elected to a one-year term in the Minnesota House of Representatives from District 24 (1873) and served as the state's adjutant general (1875-1876) and oil inspector (1883-1887). He was secretary and treasurer of the Republican State Central Committee at various times from 1875 to 1883 and was chairperson in 1884. Through his Decoration Day speeches and other political and patriotic addresses, he established a reputation as a popular and eloquent speaker and proponent of the Republican party. In 1874 Castle returned to practicing law, but his attention gradually was drawn back to the newspaper business. In 1876 he and several associates formed a stock company that bought the St. Paul Dispatch, with Castle as company president. He also served as the newspaper's publisher and editor-in-chief (1880 to 1885), and under his leadership it became a recognized voice of the Republican party. During his lifetime, in addition to his many other activities, Castle wrote profusely on a variety of topics. Civil War stories were a favorite subject. His 'The Army Mule and Other War Sketches' was published in 1897. His positions with the St. Paul Post Office and the Post Office Department generated an avid interest in postal issues." - Minnesota Historical Society