Zachary Taylor Letters, 1836-1848
Scope and Contents
These papers are all letters dealing chiefly with Indian affairs. In a letter written from Fort Crawford, Prairie du Chien, July 19, 1836, and addressed to Capt. William M. Boyce, U.S. Army, he remarks about the deplorable condition of the Indians, calling them ". . . miserable naked and half-starved Indians who have been driven to desperation by the most villainous acts of the greatest set of harpies that ever existed, and who have been countenanced by the govt in cheating, swindling & I may [say] robbing said Indians of the small pittance allowed them by treaty stipulations ..." He goes on to say that he is of the opinion that removing them from their homes to the West is tantamount to, if not worse than, annihilation.
In another letter, from Fort Smith, October 15, 1842, he relates the massacre of William Vore and others by the Starr brothers.
Dates
- Creation: 1836 - 1848
Creator
- Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Access is by appointment only.
Biographical / Historical
Zachary Taylor (1784-1850), a military man, fought against the Indians in the South and West, became a Mexican War hero and, ultimately, the President of the United States. He died in the White House before his term of office could be completed. He was succeeded by Millard Filmore.
Extent
7 items
Language of Materials
English
Existence and Location of Originals
There are typescripts of three other letters, but the whereabouts of the originals is not known.
Physical Description
In excellent condition.
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Helmerich Center for American Research at Gilcrease Museum Repository
1400 N. Gilcrease Museum Rd.
Tulsa Ok 74127
918-631-6441