Gen. Zachary Taylor
Chicago Historical Society

Taylor did not move deep into Mexico until fall, when he captured Monterrey and Saltillo. He then granted the opposing general an eight-week armistice. Rebuked by President Polk for attempting to be a peacemaker, Taylor resumed hostilities, but with his usual lethargy. Taylor made trade on his celebrity by getting elected President in 1848 despite his questionable management of the campaign.