ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, July 19, 1850. Letter to E. Delafield Smith, concerning the death of Zachary Taylor and Clay’s support of the new president, Millard Fillmore, in full: “I received your official communication of the Resolution adopted the 11th instant in General Committee of Democratic Whig young men in the City of N. York, on the occasion of the lamented death or the late President of the United States, and the accession to the Chief Magistracy of Mr. Fillmore. And I thank the Committee for the honor done me in directing that a Copy of the resolution should be transmitted to me. I share with the Nation in the sentiments of sorrow and grief, which have been excited by the sudden and unexpected death of an eminent Citizen, greatly distinguished in the service of his Country. And I deeply sympathise, with his afflicted widow and family, on account of the severe and irreparable loss which they have sustained. United with the Committee, represented by you, in their high appreciation of the patriotism, the character and the qualification of the present President of the U. States, I concur also with them in hoping his Administration may receive a fair candid and impartial consideration; and that, under his auspices, all sources of discord in our Country may be dried up, all division and dissentions may be healed, and that, all impediments to the onward march of the Nation being removed, it may proceed, with fresh energy and renewed vigor, in its glorious career with honor, happiness and prosperity.” In fine condition. Topped only by William Henry Harrison and James Garfield for the shortest duration in office, Zachary Taylor succumbed to a mysterious intestinal ailment after serving a little over a year and four months. Taylor’s vice president and eventual replacement, Millard Fillmore, would serve the remainder of the term before losing out to Winfield Scott for the Whig nomination in 1852.
Ex. Walter R. Benjamin Autographs, January 31, 1975; sale 838, item I-47. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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