Lot 304

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Description:

ZACHARY TAYLOR
(1784-1850) Twelfth President of the United States, "Old Rough and Ready" was also a hero of the Mexican War, taking Monterrey and defeating Santa Anna. L.S. "Z. Taylor" 1p. 4to., Baton Rouge, July 19, 1848, marked "Private"to William N. Hunnewell of Boston, saying that he has no ambition to be president, but expressing his goal, if called upon, to overcome the divisiveness rending the antebellum United States asunder. He writes, in full: "I have the pleasure to receive your very fine congratulatory favor of the 28th ulto and I thank you most truly for your good opinion, which, whether elected or not, whether in an exalted or humble sphere, I hope to merit. The office of the Presidency is not desirable to me farther than as it is in the wish and will of the people, and it is this far before any other consideration which has disposed me to yield to the movement in my favor. You are right in saying that the emolument of the office is small, and if, in case I should be elected, I could retire from office without being bankrupt, and yet more if I can be instrumental in moderating to some extent the bitterness of party and political asperity, I should consider myself more than fortunate." In 1848, the Whigs sought a candidate that would have national appeal and fixed their attention on Taylor. They looked to him because his long military record would appeal to northerners, while his ownership of slaves would lure southern votes. The potential candidate, however, was not enthused about running and would only accept the nomination if he was convinced it was at the call of the country. On June 9, the Whig convention made that call and nominated him. Taylor's campaign reflected his insistence that principle would prevail over politics, and his intention to seek sectional reconciliation on a national basis rather than favor any particular region. As his biographer K. Jack Bauer states, "Taylor viewed himself as a non-partisan figure attracting support from all parties." His Democratic opponent, Lewis Cass, favored letting the residents of territories decide for themselves whether they wanted slavery, which in practice was a pro-southern position. Usual folds, integral address panel expertly laid in to a larger sheet, else fine condition with a dark, bold signature.

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June 3, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

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