Lone Star Quilt with Applique: Dated 1857; Maryland

This bold Lone Star quilt is softened with delicate arrangements of flowers and fruit in the white spaces. Each is a different group of flowers and berries one of which also includes three birds. The applique is very finely done with equally well stitched embroidery. It is signed in ink "Charles P. Baile Feb. 1857". Baile (1843-1903) lived in Carroll County, Maryland and fought in the Civil War. Measurements are 90" square. There is a small square of white fabric sewn over the border in each corner. It might have been to protect the corners when folding and unfolding the quilt. The fabric can easily be removed but as it is original, I thought it best to leave it. The quilt is in excellent, unwashed condition. It has a few inconsequential smudges.