Rare free-franked address panel as president, 5.25 x 2.75, addressed in another hand to "Col. J. Dotson Debb, Detroit, Michigan," and boldly franked in the upper right, "Z. Taylor." Postmarked "Free" at Niagara Falls, September 5, [1849]. Archivally encapsulated in Mylar, mounted, matted, and framed with a gilt-edged porcelain ‘Oval Office Collection’ portrait by Christian Bell Porcelain and nameplate to an overall size of 11.75 x 14.75. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling along several vertical folds and scratching to the top of the frame.
Shortly after taking office amidst a nationwide cholera epidemic, Taylor resolved to tour the northern states using the country's new transportation system, the railroad. He began to exhibit symptoms of cholera within a week of leaving Washington, but appeared to be recovering once he reached Niagara Falls at the beginning of September. Following a carriage ride to Canada over the newly-constructed Niagara River suspension bridge (which made Taylor the first president to visit foreign soil while in office), Taylor suffered a relapse severe enough that the rest of his itinerary, including a stop in Rochester, had to be cut short. He would die ten months later, following severe digestive issues after consuming raw fruit and iced milk at a fundraiser for the Washington Monument. Taylor had received franking privileges upon his ascent to the presidency; given his short 16-month tenure in the White House, presidential autographs by Taylor are especially scarce, and free franks represent a particularly desirable philatelic format.
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