TAYLOR, ZACHARY (1784-1850)

Twelfth U.S. President - 1849-50

President Taylor Anticipates the Transcontinental Railroad

Letter Signed, 8” x 10”, as President, to “Hon. Jno. A. Rockwell, Norwich, Conn[ecticut],” the U.S. Representative from Connecticut from March 4, 1845 through March 3, 1849.

Anticipating a cross-country railroad system following the acquisition of vast new U.S. territory in the Mexican War and the discovery of gold in California, President Taylor thanks the former congressman for a report on the matter. The sectional crises of the 1850’s and the Civil War would delay the completion of the transcontinental railroad until 1869.

“Washington, Oct. 26/[18]49. Dear Sir, I have just received a copy of your valuable & interesting report on Rail roads & Canal routes between the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans. You will receive my thanks for your kind attention, & the assurance of respect with which I remain Your sincere friend & serv[an]t, Z. Taylor.”

In excellent overall condition, the letter and attached leaf, docketed “The President” in an unknown hand, have been tipped to a slightly larger page.