Lincoln's Eulogy of "Old Rough and Ready" (Episode #74, 12 Nov. 2021)

This is the follow up to my recent podcast on Lincoln's favorite poem, "Oh why should the mortals by proud" by William Knox.  Zachary Taylor, our Nation's 11th president, died on July 9, 1850, only one year and four months into his presidency.  I came across this eulogy while reading Lincoln's Speeches and Writings.  I learned that Lincoln absolutely adored Zachary Taylor and strongly supported him, campaigning vigorously for him in Taylor's run for president.  My mancrush, US Grant, also loved Taylor too.  This got me interested in Taylor and the following paradox: why did two men most responsible for the destruction of slavery, Abe and US, embrace a slaving holding Southern president?   Whoa, I don't know whether I answered that question in this podcast, but I tried to exploring what made Taylor so compelling to both Grant and Lincoln.  In his encomium to Taylor, Lincoln's admiration of Taylor's leadership qualities demonstrates what he liked, what drove him, and what made him great.  So if nothing else, regardless of whether I rescued Taylor from the ignominy of slavery, I hope you share my view that we must not ignore, but explore the dark side to our human character, and our infinite capacity to be renewed through the eternal waters of forgiveness. Taylor, the slaver holder, inspired the two men who crushed slavery,  perhaps, equivalent to Saul becoming Paul.  Creation and history work in mysterious ways.  This was a fun one.  Keep living inspired and productive lives.  Be you.  Do you.  Live your life's purpose.