Densely-penned ALS signed “Z. Taylor,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, June 3, 1847. Letter to Dr. R. C. Wood of the United States Army. In full: “I wrote you a few days since at considerable length, since when nothing of interest has taken place not having had a word from Genl Scott’s column nor of moment from any other quarter; not having had a mail since I wrote from the East.
“On the subject of the draft refund to you, on Col. Hunt drawn on Capt. Sibley, on looking over my papers in relation to it I find the mistake respecting the sum was owing to my own blunder; as I mentioned to you I got two sets of drafts in duplicate from Cpt S Taylor. They were handed me in the night quite late and put up in a great hurry for Dr. Hitchcock to take charge of, who was to start the next morning very early; I now find that I inclosed to you one for 4 hundred & the duplicate or original for a like sum to Mrs. T & find I have both original & duplicate in my possession for the 5 hundred, the first, the original for five is now forwarded, which will enable you to explain to Col. Hunt how this mistake occurred to enable you to act all right – if any difficulty has grown of it by keeping yourself the five hundred dollars as was first intended, turning over to Mrs. T. the 400 if it has not already been done.
“Nothing yet from Jarvis. We do not know whether or not he has reached the Rio Grande. My love to Ann & the children & best regards to Maj. & Mrs. Jowett & the two young ladies if still with you at the Barracks.” Second integral page bears an address panel in another hand. In fine condition, with a horizontal fold through signature and show-through from text on opposing sides.
The recipient of this letter was in fact Taylor’s son-in-law, an Army surgeon who married the future president’s daughter, Anne. Written during the Mexican-American War and just four months after Taylor’s monumental defeat of Mexican general Santa Ana at the Battle of Buena Vista, the real hook here is “Old Rough and Ready’s” reference to General Winfield Scott. Scott had requested half of Taylor’s forces be reassigned to his command in preparation for another battle. When Taylor faced Santa Ana, he was outnumbered 4-to-1, yet still secured a victory, turning him into a national hero and paving the way for yet another victory—the 1848 presidential election. Interesting war-related content penned by Taylor on his way to the White House. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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