At Death's Door!

From January to May 1850, Congress engaged in a major debate on whether to implement slavery on the new lands, one of the most famous debates in United States history.

Some members of parliament brought weapons to the meetings, and they sometimes fought each other, which shows how fierce the struggle was.

The South plans to hold Southern Convention in June, and several southern states are showing signs of secession from the Union.

At this critical juncture, Zachary Taylor did not compromise on either side, but firmly stated his position.

In a speech, he made it clear that he would keep his promise made during the election, maintain political independence, and not be a figurehead president of one party.

Although he was a Southerner and owned many slaves, he advocated for the preservation of the federal unity from the perspective of national interests.

Zachary Taylor proposed that the existing state of slavery in the country could be maintained, but that the extension of slavery to new areas should be prohibited.

He suggested that California and other states be admitted to the Union as free states as soon as possible, and vowed that he would personally lead a large army to use force to maintain the unity of the Union if necessary.

Although Zachary Taylor's stance was firm, the Southern slave-owning forces had already united, and if the federal government took strong military action, the United States Civil War could very well break out immediately.

At a time of particularly severe national crisis, on July 4, 1850, Zachary Taylor attended Independence Day celebrations in Washington.

The commemorative event was held outdoors. Despite being a former soldier, he listened to various patriotic speeches for more than two hours under the scorching sun without leaving early. After the event, he walked alone for a long distance in the strong sunlight.

Upon returning to the White House, Zachary Taylor felt both thirsty and hungry.

"This damn weather! Not a single cloud in the sky!"

Zachary Taylor grumbled as he took off his suit jacket and vest, loosened his bow tie, and instantly transformed from a well-dressed president back into the disheveled old general he once was—the only difference being that his clothes were cleaner and less slovenly than when he was in the army.

Zachary Taylor plopped down on the sofa, feeling incredibly thirsty and his stomach growling with hunger.

"Quickly, give me some food! And some water!"

Mr. President Taylor's request was quickly relayed.

A waiter at the White House brought him a full jug of iced milk and a large plate of bright red cherries.

This made Zachary Taylor, who was both hungry and thirsty, light up and he looked at the young waiter with approval.

It's rare to see someone so perceptive!

Having stood in the sun for so long in his full suit, Zachary Taylor was already unbearably hot. Although he had taken off his jacket and vest, his shirt underneath was soaked with sweat and clung to his body, making him extremely uncomfortable. However, he couldn't care less about that at the moment. Seeing the waiter place the tray on the table and pour him a full glass of milky white, chilled milk in an ornate silver pitcher, Zachary Taylor couldn't wait to reach for the glass, tilt his head back, and gulp it down.

After drinking the cold milk, Zachary Taylor felt a cooling sensation from his mouth all the way down to his stomach. Although his body surface was still hot, he felt much more comfortable inside.

However, Zachary Taylor was not satisfied. Seeing the waiter holding the silver pot and preparing to pour more milk for him, Zachary Taylor couldn't wait any longer. He reached out and took the silver pot from the waiter's hand, and without using a cup, he put the spout directly to his mouth and gulped down the milk.

Zachary Taylor felt the cool milk slide down his mouth and esophagus into his stomach, and he felt indescribably refreshed. The heat in his body was greatly reduced by the coolness.

Zachary Taylor, who was guzzling iced milk, failed to notice the hint of mockery and coldness that flashed in the eyes of the young waiter standing respectfully beside him.

Zachary Taylor put down the empty silver pot and let out a satisfied sigh of relief. He was finally not as hot and thirsty as before. However, as he put down the milk pot, his gaze fell on the large plate of bright red cherries on the tray.

Although the pot of iced milk made him less thirsty and relieved the heat in his body, his stomach was already growling with hunger. Seeing the large plate of bright red cherries, Zachary Taylor's stomach couldn't help but rumble, and the feeling of hunger became even stronger. Having already gulped down a pot of milk, Zachary Taylor no longer cared about his image and directly reached out to take the whole plate of cherries to himself, wolfing them down.

These cherries were not only bright red and tempting on the outside, but also sweet and juicy on the inside. Zachary Taylor quickly finished the whole plate of cherries before putting down the plate with satisfaction and leaning back on the sofa, breathing comfortably.

That feels so good!

Zachary Taylor was indeed relieved for a moment, but his relief was short-lived.

Later that day, his stomach began to rumble, followed by severe abdominal pain.

The president's personal physician, Alexander S. Wasserspoon, quickly arrived at the White House to examine him and diagnosed him with cholera, administering calomel and opium.

The following day, President Zachary Taylor's condition not only improved significantly, but he was also able to handle some important matters.

However, the president's doctors quickly realized the seriousness of the problem, as they were unable to explain or stop the president's rising temperature.

On July 8, doctors reported that the president had a persistent high fever and was in serious condition.

Although Zachary Taylor had already estimated that he was unlikely to recover, he still endured the night with the unique perseverance of a soldier.

On July 9, Zachary Taylor felt his body deteriorating and realized that he was in critical condition and might not make it through the night.

Lying in his hospital bed, Zachary Taylor, his face pale with an unusual flush, mustered his last strength and uttered his final words that night.

"I am probably going to die, and I hope God will call me soon. I have always faithfully tried my best to fulfill all my duties, and I have no regrets about it. My only regret is that I will have to leave my friends."

After saying that, Zachary Taylor couldn't help but think of Victor and James's faces. Those two rascals said they'd meet again someday when they left, but it seems they won't have that chance in this life. Well, see you in the next life!

Amidst a cacophony of screams, Zachary Taylor's vision gradually went black, his thoughts became increasingly blurred, and he eventually lost consciousness completely.