July 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, July 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/25/2019
Zachary Taylor letter signed at the close of the Mexican-American War, datelined ''Head Quarters, Army of Occupation / Camp near Monterey, Oct. 19th 1847''. In this tactful letter, Taylor writes Colonel John Francis Hamtramck, effectively denying Hamtramck's desire for active fighting. Letter reads in part, ''My dear Colonel...It would have given me much pleasure to yield to your wish to join the other column, but under circumstances which so vitally affect the public service in this quarter I am compelled to retain yourself and your noble regiment in its present position. No one better than I myself knows its chivalric zeal and enthusiasm, its excellent state of drill and discipline and desire for more active service, but these very qualities render it the better safeguard for the public interests on this line. / My late communications with War Dept has strongly recommended the charge of this line to be given, in my leaving the country, to Genl [John E.] Wool, and if my suggestions can be of any avail, there are sure prospects that the command will fall upon him, I am confident that it is not in my power to speak of a successor in more strong or flattering terms than I have in my recommendation of him, and I do not doubt it will be accorded to him. On this ground therefore I think you have no reason to apprehend any interference with your present position. / It is well understood that additional troops have been called out, and it is not impossible (indeed it is anticipated) that a portion may come here and afford, at no very distant day, should the war continue, opportunity for active operations. I truly hope such good fortune may fall upon yourself and your regiment, it needs but the occasion, I feel assured, to distinguish itself and behave with honor to itself and the state it has thus far so well represented. / I regret much, my d[ea]r Colonel that I shall not have the pleasure to see you before my departure, but I trust the day is not distant, when I shall have the gratification of again meeting with and thanking you for your many terms of regard. / Trusting that you will not long be disappointed in your desire to meet with active service, and wishing you and your officers all prosperity & distinction...[signed] Z. Taylor, Majr. Genl. / U.S. Army''. Three page letter on bifolium stationery measures 8'' x 10''. Small areas of splitting along folds, overall very good condition.
Zachary Taylor Letter Signed During the Mexican-American War -- Taylor Artfully Tells a Colonel That He Can't Move His Command to an Area Where There's Fighting
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