Maj. Gen. Z. Taylor.

New York: New York Weekly Sun, 1849. Illustrated broadside, 25” x 19” plus margins; wood engraving of Zachary Taylor within ornamental border, advertising text below portrait.

A very scarce illustrated broadside featuring a portrait of General Zachary Taylor, issued as a supplement to the New York Weekly Sun in 1849.

This portrait was originally published in a different form in 1847 by Burford & Co. of New York, evidently to promote Taylor as a presidential candidate in the election of 1848. An example of the earlier version can be viewed on the website of the Library of Congress. The General is shown standing beside his horse in camp, with tents and a few soldiers in the background. The names and dates of various Mexican War battles appear on shields in the corner ornaments. The present version of this image was presumably published in celebration of Taylor’s election, and served the additional purpose of promoting the Weekly Sun. Text below the portrait reads: “This engraving is presented to each subscriber to the New York Weekly Sun for the year 1849. ONE THOUSAND PRIZES ARE ALSO TO BE DISTRIBUTED AMONG SUBSCRIBERS AT THE END OF THE YEAR. The original prize stories for which premiums of $250 have been paid, will be published during the present season—The price of subscription to the Weekly Sun in only ONE DOLLAR A YEAR. For particulars, see the Sun’s Art union Extra…”

Taylor was a career officer in the U.S. Army, who rose to the rank of Major General and became a national hero following his victories in the Mexican–American War. His military fame and national popularity propelled him to the Presidency, despite his lack of both experience and interest in politics. He served as President from March of 1849 to July of 1850.

No copies are recorded in OCLC, nor does a Google search locate examples.

CONDITION: Good, old folds and creases, two-inch tear in bottom margin, moderate foxing and discoloration.