[PRESIDENTS]. POLK, James (1795-1849). Autograph letter signed ("James K Polk," with flourish) as President, to Michael Hoffman, Washington, 27 May 1845. 5 pages, 4to, two leaves neatly inlaid. POLK DEFIES POLITICAL PRESSURE. After only two months in office, President Polk expresses frustration over the appointment of a collector in New York. Various friends he complains, have made: "most contradictory and inconsistent representations...I certainly did not at any time understand myself to stand pledged to conform my action to their opinions." Explaining that "I sought information to enable me to form my own judgment" and "being alone responsible to the public I must myself be satisfied before I act," Polk is annoyed that several friends "address[ed] letters to me...not altogether in the friendly spirit which I think I had a right to expect from them...giving me to understand...that unless I do as they direct, many of my friends will become cool, and that this feeling may ultimately lead them to oppose my administration." In response, he argues: "I am free to review information and advice from my friends...but in my present position...I cannot yield to dictation from any quarter." He concludes: "I am most sincerely desirous to do what is right in itself, and what will, if anything of the kind can, unite and reunite the Democratic party in New York." -- PIERCE, Franklin (1804-1869). Autograph letter signed ("Fr.. Pierce") to Major Winship, Portsmouth, N.H., 10 September 1852. 3¼ pages, 4to, blue lined paper. DEFENDING HIS MEXICAN WAR RECORD. In the midst of his campaign for President, Pierce refutes criticism of his performance in the Mexican in the Baltimore American. "There is no foundation for the scandalous story...These shameless falsehoods fill me with amazement & make me ask what next? but they do not disturb my equanimity." Recalling his good relations with fellow officers throughout his army career, Taylor expresses confidence that he will be vindicated: "it is pleasant to know that their refutation is sure...My friends, personal and political may well smile back defiance and fearlessly appeal to every truthful, brave and meritorious Gentleman of the Army from the private soldier to the commanding general." Pierce served as a Colonel in Mexico, but was injured by a fall from a horse which forced him from the field on two occasions. -- TAYLOR, Zachary (1784-1850). Autograph letter signed ("Z. Taylor") to Hancock Taylor, Baton Rouge, [LA], 12 November 1827. 3½ pages, 4to, inlay slightly obscures lower part of signature, repairs to folds, minor damp staining. TAYLOR AS PLANTATION OWNER. To his brother, Taylor explains that he will discharge a debt, but admits that "There is a fatality attending me in money matters which I believe will continue as long as I live." He expresses hope that the Sugar and Cotton crops will be abundant but fears a weak market: "Sugar it is said will open at a very good price, but Cott[on] is very low & falling" and he may invest entirely in sugar, but sadly notes that "I could not go into the culture of sugar without involving myself in a debt that in all probability I would not live to get clear of..." -- FILLMORE, Millard (1800-1874). Autograph letter signed ("Millard Fillmore") to George Childs, Buffalo, [NY], 9 April 1862. 2 full pages, 8vo. Fillmore responds to a request for information for Benson Lossing's Pictorial History of the Great Rebellion. Fillmore notes that he would not have much to say as "my locality has been wholly exempt from the desolation and ruin that are left in the track of war" but offers that if the war's causes are addressed the author can examine a previous work which contains "the warning which I then gave to our friends at the North of the probable consequences which must result from the course they were pursuing." Together five items, each with one leaf neatly inlaid unless noted otherwise. (4)