July 9, 1850: Zachary Taylor died. He was the 12th president, serving from 1849-50. He had fallen ill on the 4th of July. Known as "Old Rough and Ready," President Taylor died just 16 months into his term. The cause of his death was never determined. After his death, Vice President Millard Fillmore was sworn in, becoming the 13th president. Fillmore's swearing in capped a tumultuous time in the history of the American presidency: six presidents in nine years.
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"It would be judicious to act with magnanimity towards a prostrate foe." –Zachary Taylor
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