Description:

Zachary Taylor
Fort Crawford [Prairie du Chien, WI], January 11, 1836
Zachary Taylor DS for Court Martial in Co. E, 1st Infantry Regiment
DS

A manuscript document describing the court martial of one Paul Spencer of Company E., 1st Infantry Regiment, endorsed by 12th President Zachary Taylor as Colonel. 1p, measuring 8.5" x 4" (visible), Fort Crawford [Prairie du Chien, WI], dated January 11, 1836. Boldly signed as "Z. Taylor, Col./ Comdr" at lower right. Exhibits darkened toning to far left and top edges, with isolated tearing throughout not affecting comprehension. Overall, good condition with boldly contrasted signature. Professionally matted and framed with an engraving of Taylor and biographical plaque, measuring 26.5" x 18.25" overall. Not examined outside of frame.

The document reads in full:

"The proceedings of the Regimental Court Martial of which Capt. Jouett is President are approved. The sentence awarded Musician Paul Spencer of E Company 1st Inf will be carried into immediate effect. The court is dissolved."

Taylor was promoted to colonel of the 1st Infantry Regiment in April 1832 as the Black Hawk War began in the West. It was initiated when Sauk leader Black Hawk crossed the Mississippi River with a group of allies, seemingly hoping to reclaim land taken over by the United States in the disputed 1804 Treaty of St. Louis. Fighting came to a head in late August when Chief Black Hawk surrendered to Col. Taylor at Fort Crawford.

Also during this period, Taylor notably opposed the courtship of his 17-year-old daughter Sarah with then-Lieutenant Jefferson Davis, future President of the Confederacy. He respected Davis but did not wish his daughter to become a military wife, as he knew it was a hard life for families. While the couple eloped in June 1835, the marriage only lasted three months before Sarah contracted Malaria and died at the age of 21.

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: 26.5" x 18.25" (framed)
  • Medium: DS

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