"I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me."Zachary Taylor
DutyLast Words
Zachary Taylor Quotes
American - President|November 24, 1784 - July 9, 1850
50 FAMOUS QUOTES · PRESIDENT
Zachary Taylor Quotes
Read Zachary Taylor quotes on duty, courage, independence and judging others from the 12th President of the United States (1784–1850).
"Never judge a stranger by his clothes."Zachary Taylor
JudgmentWisdom
"Soldiers, I intend to stay here, not only as long as a man remains, but as long as a piece of a man is left."Zachary Taylor
CourageDetermination
"It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe."Zachary Taylor
MercyLeadership
"For more than a quarter of a century on active duty, my house has been my tent, and my home the battlefield."Zachary Taylor
SacrificeMilitary
"My wife was as much of a soldier as I was."Zachary Taylor
"I know enough of the family life of officers. I scarcely know my own children or they me."Zachary Taylor
FamilySacrifice
"In no case can I permit myself to be a candidate of any party or yield myself to any party schemes."Zachary Taylor
"I will not say I would not serve if the good people were imprudent enough to elect me."Zachary Taylor
HumilityHumor
"In all disputes between conflicting governments, it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly neutral."Zachary Taylor
NeutralityDiplomacy
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About Zachary Taylor
American - President | November 24, 1784 - July 9, 1850
# Zachary Taylor Quotes
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States, born on November 24, 1784, in Orange County, Virginia, and raised on the Kentucky frontier. He spent about 40 years as a career army officer, earning the nickname "Old Rough and Ready." He became a national hero in the Mexican-American War, especially after his victory at the Battle of Buena Vista in 1847.
Elected president in 1848 as a Whig, Taylor had never held political office before. Although he was a Southern slaveholder, he opposed extending slavery into the new western territories and wanted California admitted as a free state. He died suddenly on July 9, 1850, after only 16 months in office. His quotes reflect duty, soldierly courage, independence from party politics and fairness.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about Zachary Taylor and these famous quotes.
Who was Zachary Taylor?
Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) was the 12th President of the United States and a celebrated general in the Mexican-American War.
Why was Zachary Taylor called Old Rough and Ready?
His soldiers gave him the nickname because of his informal dress, toughness and willingness to share the hardships of army life.
How long was Zachary Taylor president?
He served only about 16 months, from March 1849 until his sudden death on July 9, 1850.
What were Zachary Taylor's last words?
His reported last words were "I have always done my duty. I am ready to die. My only regret is for the friends I leave behind me."