Bayard Taylor was a household word in the United States thanks to his accounts of his travels in Africa, the Middle and Far East, and the American West. The announcement that he would now write for the New York Mercury created a sensation in the press across the country and was an impressive advertising coup for both the Mercury and Taylor's book sales. Taylor continued to gain in reputation, published several novels, and vigorously defended the Union in 1861.  He also put his experience abroad to good use with service as a diplomat to Russia during the Civil War and to Germany just before his death in 1878. (By John Osborne)