Description:

Zachary Taylor
Baton Rouge, LA, November 2, 1848
Z. Taylor Mexican War Letter
LS

Zachary Taylor (1784-1850). Letter Signed, "Z. Taylor." One page, 8.625" x 10.3"; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; November 2, 1848. Taylor responds to a letter from a Mrs. Charles B. Brower declining her request that her husband be granted a leave of absence. Flattened folds, and stray foxing. Single page, ideal for display.

Taylor's letter reads in part: "I regret to reply to you that he being at this time the only officer on duty with his company, the public interests and the rules of the service will not permit a compliance with your wishes. Whenever there may be another officer of his company on duty with it, I will gladly entertain this request, but I would, respectfully suggest that he make the application himself through proper official channels, as required by the Army Regulations."

After his victory at Buena Vista in February 1847, Zachary Taylor's active role in the Mexican War wound down, and by late 1847 he had returned to Baton Rouge to resume command of the Army's Western Division. From his headquarters there he watched politics shift in his favor, and on June 9, 1848, the Whig Party nominated him for president at its Philadelphia convention. Still officially in uniform that fall, Taylor remained at Baton Rouge during the election, and shortly after sending this letter, received word of his victory.

Charles B. Brower served with the U.S. 3rd Infantry and fought at Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterrey, and Buena Vista; all under Zachary Taylor's command. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (signed February 1848, ratified May) the 3rd Infantry was reassigned to frontier duty under the Western Division, which Taylor commanded from Baton Rouge.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.625" x 10.3"
  • Medium: LS

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