![TAYLOR, Zachary. Autograph letter signed ("Z. Taylor") to Josephine and Rebeca Holdredge, n.p., [18 March 1848]. 1 page, 4to (9 7/8 x 7 15/16 in.), irregular tear from bottom and folds repaired.](https://www.christies.com.cn/img/LotImages/2007/NYR/2007_NYR_01840_0047_000(020216).jpg?w=1)
細節
TAYLOR, Zachary. Autograph letter signed ("Z. Taylor") to Josephine and Rebeca Holdredge, n.p., [18 March 1848]. 1 page, 4to (9 7/8 x 7 15/16 in.), irregular tear from bottom and folds repaired.
TAYLOR SENDS A LOCK OF HAIR "GROWN WHITE SINCE I HAVE BEEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY"
Already famous for his successes in the Mexican War, Taylor was further honored in February of 1848 with a Congressional gold medal for his victory at Buena Vista a year before. As the winter of 1847-1848 came to an end, it became increasingly clear that the Whigs would name the apolitical Taylor their presidential candidate for the Fall election. Taylor's fame attracted a host of admirers who wrote to request his signature or a lock of hair.
In March 1848, Rebeca and Josephine, two sisters from New York, asked for a lock of the prestigious general's hair. Here, Taylor offers a patriotic response: "[your] request is with much pleasure complied with; among it you will find as many gray hair if not more than black, but I trust they will not be prized on that account as they have grown white since I have been in the service of our country, which is more than forty years." His warm letter continues: "It is true we have never met, yet I anticipate that pleasure & that at no distant day; if business or curiosity should tempt you to visit the great west, & my station or residence should be on or near your road, you must not pass me by without calling & making it a place of rest, where you will receive at least a most hearty welcome; & should I visit your great city, the emporium of the Nation...I will not fail to find you out, & tender you in person my most cordial thanks for I fear the too complimentary manner you have been pleased to speak of my humble services, & of my many kind & good offices towards those who were associated with me in various places in the service of our common country."
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (Sotheby Parke Bernet, 14 November 1978, lot 577).
TAYLOR SENDS A LOCK OF HAIR "GROWN WHITE SINCE I HAVE BEEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY"
Already famous for his successes in the Mexican War, Taylor was further honored in February of 1848 with a Congressional gold medal for his victory at Buena Vista a year before. As the winter of 1847-1848 came to an end, it became increasingly clear that the Whigs would name the apolitical Taylor their presidential candidate for the Fall election. Taylor's fame attracted a host of admirers who wrote to request his signature or a lock of hair.
In March 1848, Rebeca and Josephine, two sisters from New York, asked for a lock of the prestigious general's hair. Here, Taylor offers a patriotic response: "[your] request is with much pleasure complied with; among it you will find as many gray hair if not more than black, but I trust they will not be prized on that account as they have grown white since I have been in the service of our country, which is more than forty years." His warm letter continues: "It is true we have never met, yet I anticipate that pleasure & that at no distant day; if business or curiosity should tempt you to visit the great west, & my station or residence should be on or near your road, you must not pass me by without calling & making it a place of rest, where you will receive at least a most hearty welcome; & should I visit your great city, the emporium of the Nation...I will not fail to find you out, & tender you in person my most cordial thanks for I fear the too complimentary manner you have been pleased to speak of my humble services, & of my many kind & good offices towards those who were associated with me in various places in the service of our common country."
Provenance: Philip D. Sang (Sotheby Parke Bernet, 14 November 1978, lot 577).