^Lot 133 Zachary Taylor

Rare partly-printed DS as president, signed “Z. Taylor,” one page, 17.5 x 14.5, March 8, 1849. Taylor appoints Jacob Collamer “to be Postmaster General of the United States.” Signed at the conclusion by Taylor, and countersigned by Secretary of State John Clayton. Central vertical fold, scattered toning and overall foxing, moderate wrinkling, Clayton’s signature very light but legible, and mild toning and impression to borders from previous display, otherwise very good condition. The white paper seal is intact, with a partial vertical tear.

Three days after he took his oath of office, Taylor appointed Jacob Collamer, a Whig congressman from Vermont, to the position of postmaster general. He resigned from office following Taylor’s sudden death in July 1850 and returned to Vermont where he served as a judge on the Superior Court of Vermont. One of the founders of the Republican party, Collamer was elected to the US Senate in 1855 and later drafted the bill authorizing Abraham Lincoln to use force against southern secession. High-level presidential cabinet appointments rarely appear on the market, and as a piece signed by Taylor during his 16 month presidency, this is an even more scarce and desirable example.