Auction 739 April.

LS signed “Z. Taylor Lt. Col., 1st Regt. U.S. Infy, Comdg,” one page, 7.5 x 8.5, July 2, 1827. "Order No. 51" from his "Head Quarters, Baton Rouge," in full: "Lieut. Isaac A. Adams 4th Regt. Artillery will turn over all Commissary Stores in his possession to Lieut. W. Reynolds 1st Regt. of Infantry (taking the necessary receipts), who will perform the duties of Asst. Com'y of Subsistence to this post until further orders. Corp'l Wales of Company 'D' will report to Lieut. Reynolds for duty in the Comm'y Department." In fine condition.

Written from his headquarters in Baton Rouge, this orderly yet revealing document captures Zachary Taylor during his steady rise through the antebellum army, years before he emerged as a national hero of the Mexican–American War and the twelfth president of the United States. Commanding the 1st U.S. Infantry on the southwestern frontier, Taylor's “Order No. 51” reflects the everyday logistical responsibilities that underpinned military life—transferring commissary stores, assigning officers to subsistence duties, and detailing enlisted men to departmental service.

Sought-after bold ink signature, "Z. Taylor,” on an off-white 3 x 1.5 slip. In fine condition.