![TAYLOR, Zachary. Autograph letter signed ("Z Taylor") to Robert C. Wood, [Monterey, Mexico, 13 August 1847]. 2 pages, 4to, separate address sheet, minor holes at central fold affecting a few letters of text, otherwise fine.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2002/NYR/2002_NYR_01083_0078_000(043416).jpg?w=1)
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TAYLOR, Zachary. Autograph letter signed ("Z Taylor") to Robert C. Wood, [Monterey, Mexico, 13 August 1847]. 2 pages, 4to, separate address sheet, minor holes at central fold affecting a few letters of text, otherwise fine.
TAYLOR PREDICTS A CRISIS FOR POLK: "IF THE WAR IS A PROTRACTED ONE, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST GO DOWN"
A good political letter written in the final months of the war with Mexico, in which Taylor expresses concern about upcoming military campaigns, acknowledges the role of volunteers and predicts trouble for President Polk. By this date, victory seemed likely, but peace negotiations had not begun (see preceding), and Taylor anticipated leading another campaign. But Taylor suspected that his command was being deliberately undermined by Scott and the Polk Administration for political reasons and feared that he might be removed from command. Here, he questions his ability to launch a new campaign resulting from the lack of support: "I...do not believe they [the Quartermasters Department] are equal to the duties, or can make the necessary arrangements to enable me to move in any reasonable time, & I still believe I am to be broken down by the want of knowledge & energy on the part of others." He expresses pessimism about the upcoming military needs and the potential impact upon Polk's presidency: "The result of the campaign...will I apprehend be anything but brilliant if it is not disgraceful, I shall be satisfied; the enemy no doubt are fortifying at Monterey. If the war is a protracted one, the administration must go down; the expenses of carrying it on must be enormous, & to meet the same direct taxes must be resorted to, which the people of this country will not stand for any length of time."
RTaylor has been struck by the influx of volunteers into Mexico: "no doubt everything is in great confusion at Brazos Island produced by landing & shipping the volunteers...the last of the four Regts. of the six months volunteers from Louisiana...left yesterday for Brazos; but the night before leaving they had a tremendous blow out with the inhabitants of the town of Matamoros in which it is reported several were killed." A supporter of the volunteer regiments, Taylor praises their sacrifice, even though "there is & has been more than could be advantageously used"; and he hopes they return safely "will very soon forget all the sufferings & privations they have been subjected to. I was rejoyced [sic] to hear the sick was [sic] improving & sincerely hope the poor fellows now alive who were wounded will recover."
In September, Mexico City fell, and peace negotiations began, relieving Taylor's anxiety about a renewed military campaign.
TAYLOR PREDICTS A CRISIS FOR POLK: "IF THE WAR IS A PROTRACTED ONE, THE ADMINISTRATION MUST GO DOWN"
A good political letter written in the final months of the war with Mexico, in which Taylor expresses concern about upcoming military campaigns, acknowledges the role of volunteers and predicts trouble for President Polk. By this date, victory seemed likely, but peace negotiations had not begun (see preceding), and Taylor anticipated leading another campaign. But Taylor suspected that his command was being deliberately undermined by Scott and the Polk Administration for political reasons and feared that he might be removed from command. Here, he questions his ability to launch a new campaign resulting from the lack of support: "I...do not believe they [the Quartermasters Department] are equal to the duties, or can make the necessary arrangements to enable me to move in any reasonable time, & I still believe I am to be broken down by the want of knowledge & energy on the part of others." He expresses pessimism about the upcoming military needs and the potential impact upon Polk's presidency: "The result of the campaign...will I apprehend be anything but brilliant if it is not disgraceful, I shall be satisfied; the enemy no doubt are fortifying at Monterey. If the war is a protracted one, the administration must go down; the expenses of carrying it on must be enormous, & to meet the same direct taxes must be resorted to, which the people of this country will not stand for any length of time."
RTaylor has been struck by the influx of volunteers into Mexico: "no doubt everything is in great confusion at Brazos Island produced by landing & shipping the volunteers...the last of the four Regts. of the six months volunteers from Louisiana...left yesterday for Brazos; but the night before leaving they had a tremendous blow out with the inhabitants of the town of Matamoros in which it is reported several were killed." A supporter of the volunteer regiments, Taylor praises their sacrifice, even though "there is & has been more than could be advantageously used"; and he hopes they return safely "will very soon forget all the sufferings & privations they have been subjected to. I was rejoyced [sic] to hear the sick was [sic] improving & sincerely hope the poor fellows now alive who were wounded will recover."
In September, Mexico City fell, and peace negotiations began, relieving Taylor's anxiety about a renewed military campaign.