Political
1849 President Zachary Taylor Related Post-Presidential Election Political & California Gold Rush Content 3-page Letter
January 1, 1849-Dated, Historic Presidential Election Political Content Autograph Letter Discussing President-Elect Zachary Taylor with Integral Address Leaf 5 PAID (postage rate in 1849), measuring 7.75" x 9.75", 3 pages, Newton Upper Falls, (Massachusetts), Very Fine.
Great Political content in this extensive Letter from a son writing to his parents living in Worcester, Vermont, to start the new year. Some discoloration at outer transmital postal folds and light toning on the otherwise in nice and legible. This 3-page letter is written in fine brown ink on light blue wove period paper and reads, in part:
"... on the whole I think we have done very well, & think that if money matters again become easy we will do better. I am in hopes that now the political questions are decided that we will have better times. Not that I think so in consequence of the election of "Old Zach" but that is usually the case after a Presidential Election.
It may be new to you & perhaps (considering that I was brot[sic] up a Whig) strange in your opinion that I tell you I am a Taylor man. But it is so for I am far from it. I consider him a man in every aspect, but poorly qualified for that office. In my opinion the free States & particularly New England have subserved (sic) the interests of the Slave trade long enough. This has been the theme of the Whigs for years, but it has been nothing but talk for as a party they are seen to fall into the Southern trap which is baited Whig while the interests of Slave labor & the perpetuation of the institution are at the bottom of it. Free Soil in Labor & equal rights is my motto. There "there's my politks (sic)" but I am no politician ... I have no news to communicate to you of any particular interest.
The "Gold Fever" rages high & there are several going from this place expecting to make a fortune immediately. One is now in the store talking about procuring tents and boxes for the voyage. Ships are leaving Boston every week with the adventurers. No doubt some will make their fortunes, but in my opinion the gold scheme will explode by & by & many will be the victims of the scheme & will find that it is not all gold that shines & that all cannot secure a fortune in days ...".