Sep 30, 2010 - Sale 2223

Sale 2223 - Lot 200

Unsold
Estimate: $ 2,500 - $ 3,500
LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT FROM MSSRS. HUNT, FISH & KETCHUM (TAYLOR, ZACHARY.) Archive of 12 letters to Zachary Taylor as president-elect and president. Various sizes, condition generally sound. Vp, 1848-50
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Zachary Taylor was a military hero who was elected president on 7 November 1848, took office the following 4 March, and died just 16 months later on 9 July 1850. These 12 letters were all addressed to Taylor during the brief period between his election and his passing, comprising a small but significant archive on his presidency. The letters were found in the family autograph collection of Francis Amasa Walker. All are Autograph Letters Signed unless noted. 3 of the letters appear to be docketed by Taylor on verso.
Allison, Richard T. Taylor's nephew lobbies (successfully) for Reverdy Johnson to be appointed attorney general. Possibly docketed by Taylor on verso. Baltimore, 11 November 1848
Gadsden, James. Implores Taylor to retain his military commission until assuming the presidency, so that Polk could not fill the post with a political appointee. Critiques the conduct of the Mexican War: "The melancholy fact is presented that [the volunteers] have paid in profusion for the glories won . . . regardless of the first principal of war, 'to conquer at least cost.'" Charleston, SC, 14 November 1848
Grinnell, Moses H. Invites Taylor to dine with "leading commercial friends" in New York. New York, 9 October 1849
Lawrence, Abbott. Taylor's minister to Great Britain introduces László Ujházy of Hungary, a political refugee. London, 19 November 1849
Poore, Benjamin Perley. Invites Taylor to review a militia company of local veterans who had served under him in Mexico and Florida. Boston, 28 November 1849
Fish, Hamilton. The governor of New York seeks a diplomatic appointment for Daniel D. Barnard to strengthen the Whig Party in his state. Barnard was later appointed ambassador to Prussia. Possibly docketed by President Taylor on verso. Albany, NY, 29 November 1849
Webb, James Watson. Preparing to leave for his new post as minister to Austria, Webb here is already seeking a better appointment. Discusses William Seward at length, and also recommends that Taylor appoint his own son-in-law William Bliss as inspector general. Possibly docketed by President Taylor on verso. New York, 30 November 1849
Morris, George P.; Erastus Brooks; et al. Invitation to a celebration of Andrew Jackson's birthday and the Mexican War. Letter Signed. New York, 9 March 1850
Hunt, Washington. Recalls meeting with Taylor the day before his inauguration. Recommends Barnard or another New Yorker for ambassadorship to Berlin. Albany, NY, 30 March 1850
Kennedy, John Pendleton. Sends a copy of his biography of William Wirt. Baltimore, MD, 2 April 1850
Clayton, John M. A brief note from the Secretary of State, asking Taylor to "call a cabinet meeting forthwith" and noting that "I have been constantly engaged on the Central American question since I saw you." Washington, 8 April 1850
Ketchum, Hiram. Defends Daniel Webster and California statehood at length. New York, 25 April 1850.