ZACHARY TAYLOR,
Reading edition
THE ELEVENTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
Was born in Orange County, Virginia, November 24, 1790, and, after receiving an indifferent education, passed a considerable portion of his boyhood amid the stirring scenes which were being enacted at that time on our western border. In 1808, he was appointed a lieutenant in the United States infantry, and subsequently was promoted to a captaincy for his efficient services against the Indians. Soon after the declaration of war, in 1812, he was placed in command of Fort Harrison, which he so gallantly defended with a handful of men against the attack of a large body of savages, as to win the brevet rank of major. So familiar did he become with the Indian character, and with the mode of warfare of that wily foe, that his services at the West and South were deemed indispensable in the subjugation and removal of several hostile tribes. While effecting these desirable objects, he was occasionally rewarded for his toils and sacrifices by gradual promotion, and in 1840 attained the rank of brigadier-general. At the commencement of the troubles with Mexico, in 1845, he was ordered to occupy a position on the American side of the Rio Grande, but not to cross that river unless attacked by the Mexicans. He was not, however, allowed to remain long in repose: the enemy, by attacking Fort Brown, which he had built on the Rio Grande, opposite Matamoras, soon afforded him an opportunity to display his skill and valor, and gloriously did he improve it. The brilliant battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, where he contended successfully against fearful odds, were precursors to a series of victories which have few parallels in military annals. The attack on Matamoras, the storming of Monterey, the sanguinary contest at Buena Vista, and the numerous skirmishes in which he was engaged, excited universal admiration; and on his return home, after so signally aiding to “conquer a peace” with Mexico, he was everywhere received with the most gratifying demonstrations of respect and affection. In 1848, General Taylor received the nomination of the Whig party for the office of President of the United States, and, being elected, was inaugurated the year following. But the cares and responsibilities of this position were greater than his constitution could endure, hardened as it had been both in Indian and civilized warfare. After the lapse of little more than a year from the time he entered upon his new career, he sunk under its complicated trials, and his noble spirit sought refuge in a more congenial sphere, July 9, 1850.
Election for the Sixteenth Term, commencing March 4, 1849, and terminating March 3, 1851.
A STATES. PRES’T. V. PRES’T.
B C D E
9 Maine 9 9
6 New Hampshire 6 6
12 Massachusetts 12 12
4 Rhode Island 4 4
6 Connecticut 6 6
6 Vermont 6 6
36 New York 36 36
7 New Jersey 7 7
26 Pennsylvania 26 26
3 Delaware 3 3
8 Maryland 8 8
17 Virginia 17 17
11 North Carolina 11 11
9 South Carolina 9 9
10 Georgia 10 10
12 Kentucky 12 12
13 Tennessee 13 13
23 Ohio 23 23
6 Louisiana 6 6
6 Mississippi 6 6
12 Indiana 12 12
9 Illinois 9 9
9 Alabama 9 9
7 Missouri 7 7
3 Arkansas 3 3
5 Michigan 5 5
3 Florida 3 3
4 Texas 4 4
4 Iowa 4 4
4 Wisconsin 4 4
290 Whole No. of Electors 163 127 163 127
Majority146
COLUMN HEADINGS:
(A) = No. of Electors from each State.
(B) = Zachary Taylor, of Louisiana.
(C) = Lewis Cass, of Michigan.
(D) = Millard Fillmore, of New York.
(E) = William O. Butler, of Kentucky.
Zachary Taylor took the oath of office, as President, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1849. He did not, however, long enjoy his honors—death suddenly closing his earthly career, July 9, 1850.
Millard Fillmore took the oath of office, as Vice-President, and entered upon his duties March 4, 1849. Congress being in session at the time President Taylor died, the Vice-President sent a message to both houses on the 10th of July, in which he feelingly announced the melancholy event. On the same day he took the requisite oath, and entered on the execution of the office of President.
Willie P. Mangum, of N. C., President pro tem of the Senate, acted as Vice-President, ex officio, the remainder of the term.