Lot 279
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), 12th President of the U.S. (1849-1850), career soldier (1808-1848, Brigadier General), became ill after participating in Independence Day ceremonies on a sweltering July 4 afternoon and died five days later. Autograph Letter Signed (three times!) as President-elect, 1p, 7¾ x 9¾ Baton Rouge, December 30, 1848. To "Mr. John R. Hall, Roxbury, Mass." in response to an autograph request and thanking him and the people of Massachusetts for their support, in full:
"My dear Sir, Your highly esteemed letter of the 9th inst., asking among other matters, to be furnished with my autograph has just reached me, which request is with much pleasure complied with. The citizens of no state in the Union stand higher in my estimation than do those of the good old Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the nobble [sic] part their ancestors took, and accted [sic], both in the Councils of the Confederacy as well as on the field of battle, as one among the foremost of the glorious thirteen states, in aiding to achieve our independence, as well as to establish our unparalleled and happy form of government, is a sure guaranty that their sons will never be found wanting in courage, patriotism and devotion in sustaining the honor and best interest of our whole country. For the expressions of kindness and respect you have been pleased to use toward me, as well as for the interest you took in my reaching the first office in the gift of a great and free people by casting your vote for me, for the same, accept my most cordial thanks, accompanied by my best wishes for your continued health and prosperity through a long life. With consideration of respect and esteem, I remain your Ob.t Serv.t, Z. Taylor, Majr Genl, U.S. Army"
Boldly penned and Very Fine with but two small insignificant ink blots. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Taylor’s hand and postmarked at Baton Rouge on January 1, 1849. In a custom quarter-leather portfolio with historical background and an engraved portrait.
Estimate 3,000 - 4,000
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| Realized $5,500 |
