Uncommon Early Autograph Letter Signed of Zachary Taylor, Building American Military Capacity Along the Mississippi River: From an earlier phase of Taylor's career, part of a collection assembled in the 1940s and 1950s

In 1808, Taylor was commissioned a first lieutenant of infantry, beginning a military career that would last forty years. He first won distinction during the War of 1812 for his defense of Fort Harrison in Indiana Territory against an Indian attack and became the first brevet major in the U. S. Army as a result. He spent the next three decades policing the frontiers against Indians, serving in the Black Hawk War in 1832 and the Second Seminole War from 1835–1842.

After the War of 1812, Taylor spent much time building up the frontier American establishments and bolstering the forts and other locations along the northern Mississippi River. In this, he reported to C.J. Nourse, assistant adjutant general.

Autograph letter signed, Louisville, KY, September 28, 1824, to Asst. Adj. Gen. C.J. Nourse but addressed to Adj. Gen. Henry. ""Enclosed you will receive my monthly return account current and enlistment for the month of August last.

""Capt. Brady and Lt. Allen of the 4th Regt. of Infantry a few days since reported for the recruiting service from Cincinnati; and have been placed on that duty at that place and at New Port, Kentucky."" Letter is lightly silked.

George W. Allen appears on the rolls as First Lieutenant in the 4th in 1824 and would go on to fight with Taylor against the Florida tribes. Likewise, Francis W. Brady is likely the Brady mentioned here and he continued in the 4th through the Indian wars.

Uncommon autograph letter signed from an earlier phase of Taylor's career.