Lot 130
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850, 12th President 1849-50). Bold manuscript free frank "Z. Taylor" on cover addressed to Colonel J.S. Van Alen in New York, postmarked blue "Baltimore, Md./Apr. 6" cds and matching "Free" handstamp, no year date, but style of postmark and frank indicate presidential status, Very Fine and rare.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
Taylor had an impressive military career, serving in the War of 1812 and the Black Hawk War. In the Mexican War, he earned the nickname "Old Rough and Ready" after defeating Santa Anna. He was elected President in 1848 after Polk retired. While in office, he opposed slavery and the Compromise of 1850, and signed the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty with England regarding the building of a canal in Central America. He died after eating some cherries and ice milk on the Fourth of July.
Because Taylor served as President for only sixteen months, from March 1849 until his death on July 9, 1850, and because his correspondence was closely monitored, he ranks only behind William Henry Harrison and James Garfield in terms of scarcity of his presidential material. .
Realized: $1,000