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Zachary Taylor Document Signed....
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Description
Zachary Taylor Document Signed. One page, 8 x 10 inches, "Fort Crawford," [Wisconsin]; June 13, 1833. A military document in which Taylor signs off on the rejection of three men from service for disabilities resulting from "Scrofulous tumours" and "Phthisis Pulmonalis" (both of which refer to tuberculosis), as well as "loss of Penis." Signed "Z. Taylor. Col."In part: "Upon the examination of the Recruits at Fort Crawford June 13, 1833 three were rejected by Asst. Surgeon R. C. Wood... James Kavenagh / Rejected for Scrofulous tumours & ulcers...James Williams / Rejected for Phthisis Pulmonalis and General disability...John Forrester / Rejected for loss of Penis which disability in the opinion of the board existed previous to his Enlistment."
During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the United States. Highly contagious and lacking a known cure or reliable treatment, the disease was tragically widespread, often taking years to claim its victims. Military discharges due to tuberculosis symptoms were common, as many men contracted the illness during their service.
In contrast, "loss of Penis" was a far more unusual reason to appear in medical documentation. The examiner may have been referring to the physical absence of the organ or some form of dysfunction. Regardless of the specific meaning, Taylor concurred that this condition rendered the soldier unfit for continued service.
Taylor served as Commander of Fort Crawford, located in Prairie du Chien, in present-day Wisconsin, beginning in 1829. During his tenure, he supervised the fort's reconstruction and, in 1832, led troops in the Black Hawk War.
Condition: Moderately toned with some offsetting at the center. Smoothed folds. Discoloration from previous mounting at the left margin. Small bit of loss at the bottom right corner, just touching text, not affecting legibility.
Provenance: Collection of Dr. Jeffrey Rudolph.
Auction Info
2025 August 8 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6322 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
August, 2025
8th
Friday
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