Incredible ALS signed “Z. Taylor,” seven pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, September 26, 1848. Letter to Dr. R. C. Wood. In part: “Been a week since passing through New Orleans where there was some Yellow-fever, but not considered an epidemic. There was considerable sickness…both among the visitors as well as the troops stationed there many of the latter have died, especially those brought from Mexico with chronic diseases of the bowels &c, & those generally remaining in the Hospital at that place, will shall I fear for the most part the same fate. Surgeon Porter is at the head of the medical department there, & all appears to be going on as it should do. While at the pass Betty had quite a severe attack of fever, which confined her to her bed for six or eight days. She returned with us & I may say has entirely recovered; Mrs. Taylor’s health is about as usual, & Dick continues well. Since I left Pascagoula our order has been received distributing the assembled troops to their several stations on the frontier…I look on the result of the coming presidential election as very doubtful; the free soil movement with the recent split among the ultra Clay Whigs in New York answers anything but favorable to the Whig cause. The recent Whig meeting gotten up in the city of N. York by the Whigs for the purpose of bringing up Mr. C. before the country with the view of electing him, but to defeat me, they will all & a great many more of said party go over to Mr. Van Buren, & if they cannot elect him, they may defeat an election by the people & carry it into the House of Representatives, in which case no Whig can be elected; Whether Mr. Clay has [made] this move directly or not I am unable to say, but he has certainly done so indirectly which is as objectionable, by preserving silence in regard to my nomination since the adjournment of the Whig Convention in Philadelphia…The contest will be I am satisfied a very warm & close one, & the result extremely doubtful—we must however wait the result patiently & be prepared for the result be it what it may to meet it with dignity.” Includes the address leaf accomplished in Taylor’s hand. In very good to fine condition, with small areas of paper loss from ink erosion, clipped lower portion on last page, a tear to the separated address leaf, and Taylor’s heavy handwriting writing showing through from opposing sides.
Taylor had recently become a national hero for his success in the Mexican-American War and the public clamored for him to enter the 1848 presidential race. The Whig Party convinced the reluctant Taylor to lead their ticket, despite his unclear platform and lack of interest in politics—he had reportedly never revealed his political beliefs during his military career. Contrary to the pessimistic expectations he outlines here, he drew votes from all across the political spectrum thanks to his broad appeal and his campaign proved successful in the November election. Extremely long and rife with excellent political and personal content, this scarce Taylor ALS is absolutely fascinating and offers intimate insight into his life during this period. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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