Autograph letter, signed, March 4, 1847, by Zachary Taylor to Edward George Washington Butler that describes events leading to and including the Battle of Buena Vista against Mexican forces commanded by Antonio López de Santa Anna. The letter also discusses critics of William Orlando Butler and interactions with Winfield Scott, as well as dismissing his own candidacy for president of the United States.
Description:
Edward George Washington Butler (1800-1888), was the son of Edward Butler (1762-1803), and a ward of Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). In 1826, Butler married Frances Parke Lewis (1797-1875). After graduating from the United States Military Academy, Butler served in the United States Army until his resignation in May 1831. Between 1846 and 1847, he served as Major General in the Louisiana State Militia. In 1847, Butler was appointed as a Colonel in the United States Army, and commanded the District of the Upper Rio Grande during the Mexican War from September 1847 to June 1848. Butler lived in Louisiana, and owned and worked several plantations in the Iberville Parish area. He died in St. Louis, Missouri., Formerly owned by Allyn Kellogg Ford. Formerly owned by the Minnesota Historical Society. Purchased from William Reese Co. on the Frederick W. and Carrie S. Beinecke Fund for Western Americana, 2013., Includes envelope., and Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) was the 12th President of the United States (1849-1850) and an American military leader with a four-decade career that ended with victories during the Mexican War.
Subject (Name):
Butler, Edward George Washington, 1800-1888, Butler, William Orlando, 1791-1880, Ford, Allyn Kellogg, 1878-1964--Ownership, Minnesota Historical Society Ownership, Santa Anna, Antonio López de, 1794?-1876, and Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866
Subject (Topic):
Buena Vista, Battle of, Mexico, 1847--Personal narratives, American, Mexican War, 1846-1848--Campaigns, and Mexican War, 1846-1848--Personal narratives, American
