Taylor, Zachary, as Twelfth President-Elect

Autograph letter signed ("Z Taylor"), 1 page (9 5/8 x 8 in.; 245 x 202 mm) on pale blue paper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 15 January 1849, to H. Paddelford, expressing thanks for good wishes. Matted, glazed and framed.

Autograph letter signed ("Z Taylor"), 1 page (9 5/8 x 8 in.; 245 x 202 mm) on pale blue paper, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 15 January 1849, to H. Paddelford, expressing thanks for good wishes; formerly folded, not examined outside of frame. Matted, glazed and framed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

"Old Rough and Ready" intends to appoint an honest cabinet.

Hero of the Mexican War, Taylor was elected 7 November 1848 on the Whig ticket, but considered himself an Independent as he differed with the Democrats over the concept of a national bank and opposed the extension of slavery into areas where neither cotton nor sugar could be grown. He also had problems with the Whigs' support of strong protective tariffs. Most importantly, he opposed secession as a means of resolving the nation's problems. It was during his short administration that the Compromise of 1850 was fashioned. On 4 July 1850, after attending celebrations in Washington, D.C., Taylor contracted a virulent stomach ailment, and died five days later. More than 100,000 people lined the funeral route to see the hero laid to rest.

Writing from his estate at Baton Rouge, Taylor writes: "Your highly esteemed letter of the 18th ult[im]o has just reached me in which you say, 'I seek no office. I just want to say God bless you. Give us an honest cabinet and the whole nation will bless you.' Which I certainly intend and will do, unless greatly deceived by others, or by those I repose confidence in. — For I fear the too complimentary terms you have been pleased to attach to my military services, humble as they are, as well as your kind wishes in the successful discharge of the new and important duties I must soon enter on, accept my sincere thanks accompanied by my best wishes for your continued health and prosperity through a long life. With considerations of high respect and esteem I remain ..."