Zachary Taylor
Trenton, NJ, May 11, 1848
Whig Party ALS Detailing Split Loyalties for Presidential Nominees With Taylor/Fillmore Campaign Label
ALS

A lengthy letter concerning the Whig Party's desires for the 1848 presidential election. Trenton, NJ, dated May 11, 1848. Written by "J. Wilson" and addressed to Congressman Hugh White. Attached to the letter is a presidential sticker campaigning for Zachary Taylor as President and Millard Fillmore as Vice President, measuring 2.5" x 1". Excellent content, with a detailed look into the political climate at the time and the division within the Whig Party. The letter has flattened mail folds with spotting and light toning along the right edge. Minor warping to the pages and the campaign sticker. Small separations starting at the fold edges. 3pp, measuring 8" x 9.75". Boldly signed.

Wilson addresses several political issues that have divided the Whig Party within the state and stresses that "it is highly important to us to have something either in our candidate or in the issues we present to excite our party. Without this too many will be absent from the polls?"

Highlights from the letter:
"I have received the letter which you addressed to me, on behalf of the Whig Executive Committee of the two Houses of Congress, desiring information of the state of public opinion in this state, in regard to the Candidate for the Presidency?political topics which now interest the Whig Party?In regard to the Presidential Candidate, there is much division of opinions among the Whigs of New Jersey. Many of the most active and intelligent among them, in every section of the state, think that our candidate should be one whom we have never yet presented to the people - that this is essential to success, as well in this state, as in the Union. The minds of these persons are strongly turned towards Gen. Taylor. Others equally active and intelligent and equally devoted to the Whig Party, think otherwise and their entire hopes and affections centre on Mr. Clay, whose nomination they ardently desire and with whom they feel assured of triumph. The minds of others rest on Gen. Scott, tho this class is by no means so numerous as either of the others. We confess ourselves unable to decide?"

In the lead-up to the 1848 Whig National Convention both Zachary Taylor and General Winfield Scott had emerged as contenders for the Whig presidential nomination after serving in the Mexican?American War, while two long-time party leaders, Senator Henry Clay and Senator Daniel Webster, also commanded strong support. Despite Taylor's unclear political affiliations and beliefs, many Whigs maintained that he was the party's strongest possible candidate due to his martial accomplishments in the war. Henry Clay had initially told his allies that he would not run in the 1848 presidential election, but entered the race due to his unwillingness to support Taylor as "a mere military man." Taylor was ultimately nominated, partially out of desperation, and Taylor's running mate was Millard Filmore, who was known for his moderate views on slavery. Ironically, Taylor would die sixteen months into his presidential term, passing the presidential torch onto Fillmore.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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8" x 9.75"