Zachary Taylor
Taylor confirms receipt of Davis’ letter and the forwarded letter from the Secretary of War with its gratifying sentiments. Taylor reciprocates Davis' desire to “serve with or near me.” Davis had already served with Taylor in Wisconsin years before where he met and married Sarah Knox Taylor and became Taylor's son-in-law. At the time this letter was written, General Taylor was commanding forces in the Mexican War which resulted in the United States’ acquisition of California and New Mexico. Due to his popularity after the Mexican War, Taylor went on to be elected the 12th President of the United States; he vowed to hold the Union together by force, but he died in office. When the Civil War began 11 years later his son Richard served as a Confederate general, and Jefferson Davis, who had served as a Representative and a Senator from Mississippi, was elected President of the Confederacy in 1861.
This letter is available on the digital library project I Remain.