May 16th Rare Autograph Auction
Scarce LS as president signed "Z. Taylor," one page, 8 x 10, June 11, 1849. Letter to Brantz Mayer agreeing to sit for a photograph three months into his presidency, In part: "I take great pleasure in complying with your request to let a daguerreotype likeness for...your forthcoming work on the Mexican War. Whenever you may find it convenient to let an artist attend for that purpose, it will afford me gratification to sit to him, for the short time that he require, at my own residence." What is fascinating is that there is an image of Taylor that has been transferred onto the page of a previously being affixed or stored together for a very long time on the reverse, over a portion of text, in fine condition.
Mayer, this letter's recipient, was a writer, historian and one of the founders of the Maryland Historical Society. His 1841 book, entitled Mexico as It Was and as It Is, was one of the most-read publications in the years before the 1846-1848 Mexican-American War. The daguerreotype of President Taylor referenced in this correspondence was presumably intended for a follow-up work. Unique combination of the presidency and the art photography.
With One of a Kind Collectibles LOA
Scarce Zachary Taylor signed letter as President refering to taking a photograph for a book onthe Mexican War
Click above for larger image.