23 May 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary about his longer-than-expected journey from Vera Cruz. Discusses his family and personal news. Mentions an upcoming lecture given by Dr. Lynch on the Toleration of Catholicism. Mentions the possibility, and fear, of a war with Great Britain. Talks about politics and the most current issues in Washington: Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Democratic National Convention of which President Pierce should be watchful. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms surrounded by laurels, above "Paris."

GLC03587.17

22 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Gadsden writes to his Secretary about an upcoming meeting with President Pierce where Secretary of State Marcy "may find himself impeached." Discusses the deception in Washington and is wary of nearly everyone. Imprint in upper left corner is illegible.

GLC03587.18

23 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Letter

Title: to John Cripps

Written in the hand of John T. Pickett. Gadsden writes to his Secretary to promptly fix what will become Gadsden's recall. He writes that his recall is wanted by Hargous, Aspinwall, and Marcy so they may plunder Mexico without being watched. Postscript discusses a letter from ex-consul Forbes to Secretary of State Marcy that was printed in the New Orleans Picayune regarding the "lawless enterprises" lead by Gadsden. Imprint in upper left corner from Willard's Washington, D.C. Hotel.

GLC03587.19

30 June 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Scolds his Secretary for not sending a letter in several weeks. Mentions a meeting with Secretary of State Marcy who was "as gruff as a bare, and as inflated with its growlings when pricked." Claims Marcy bullied him and ended the conversation by reminding Gadsden that all evidence pointing to a recall was before President Pierce. Imprint in upper left corner from Willard's Washington, D.C. Hotel.

GLC03587.20

24 October 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary about his lack of correspondence. Has had to rely on newspapers for information about the state of affairs in Mexico. Mentions that the possession of Cuba takes precedence over Mexican diplomacy and that Spain and Great Britain will be placated with payments on their claims in Mexico. Discusses the dirty politics that have claimed Washington. Mentions that all the cities that have been claimed by the United States were once missions and wonders if those lands are transferable to him for colonization purposes. Imprint illegible.

GLC03587.37

3 April 1854

Pickett, John Thomas, 1822-1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

U.S. Consul writes that Cripps' friends, Mr. Marquardt (possibly J.B.M. from GLC03587.03 and .06) and Mr. Brunner, have arrived and finds them to be very enterprising. Mentions that Brunner may be deported but reassures him that he will see Brunner through. Has mentioned to Secretary of State Marcy that a military man should be sent to instill law and order south of the border. Discusses the need to reform "consular evils" and will see to it that Marcy is held responsible before the next Democratic National Convention. Calls fellow consul Pleasants "an ass" and says he should not have…

GLC03587.12

8 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Expresses disappointment with his Secretary's ambiguous reports from Mexico, especially since the President and Senate look to Gadsden for information. Has had to rely on the "published speculations of fillibusters." Is surprised to hear that Cripps has begun to rely on Doyle, a person who hopes to maintain poor relations between Mexican and U.S. officials. States that the treaty was dismissed but it is rumored that the Senate will create a new one. Discusses politics and news. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below "Paris."

GLC03587.13

30 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary after arriving in Vera Cruz with Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother), Mrs. Gadsden and two family friends. Asks for news regarding acceptance or rejection of the treaty.

GLC03587.14

31 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary more fully after yesterday's hasty note (GLC03587.14). Discusses the toll the trip to Mexico has taken on Mrs. Gadsden but hopes the rest of their journey will be smooth. Reminds him to set up a bed for himself, Mrs. Gadsden, and Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother). Mentions the possibility of more guests so Cripps may be prepared. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon under "Paris."

GLC03587.15

8 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary as an addendum to yesterday's letter (GLC03587.26) that the entire idea behind bargaining for the strip of land is to "get the right to import free of duty into any of the Ports of the Gulf Cotton, Rice, flour, Corn and lard."

GLC03587.29

9 January 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J.T. Leguarenne

Writes regarding the delivery of Cayuacan. Would like Leguarenne to act in his interests in this last of his affairs in Mexico. Postmarked 8 January (differs from Gadsden's dating), Charleston, South Carolina. Includes a ten-cent paid stamp. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms.

GLC03587.36

20 September 1847

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Matilda Mason

Responds to a previous letter from Matie, possibly a relative by marriage. Mentions mutual acquaintances, including a fellow soldier named Rhett. Relates that he occupies a suite of apartments belonging to Senora Santa Anna (wife of former Mexican leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna) at the National Palace. Discusses Senora Santa Anna's flowers at length. Supposes Mexico City's "principal people have fled..." Discusses characteristics and the layout of the city, including the position of the National Palace and museums. States that Bankhead (possibly Charles Bankhead) serves as the…

GLC08894

circa 1847

Magee, R., fl. 1847

Print

Title: [Portrait of Winfield Scott]

Portrait of General Winfield Scott. Portrait is surrouned by small battle scenes with names "Lundyz Lane," "Chippewa," "Vera Cruz," and "Cerro Gordo." Printed by R. Magee. Included as collateral with GLC02918.01.

GLC02918.01.01

1846-1847

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Header Record

Title: Two orders by George McClellan during the Mexican War [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC08953

26 September 1846

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph document signed

Title: Order No 12

Orders to his company of engineers on board the "Clinton" stating that there is no smoking between decks, only officers are allowed in certain areas, roll calls will be at Reveille, Retreat, and Tattoo, inspections will be nightly, gives schedule for the day, and explains proper dress and schedule. Written on board the "Clinton" at sea, during the Mexican War. Remnants of what appear to me a nautical log are pasted on verso. A note explaining the document pasted on front.

GLC08953.01

4 May 1847

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph document signed

Title: Orders no 25

Orders his men to "lead the march to the enemy capital," of Mexico City, during the Mexican War. Warns his men not to straggle as "The impotent & cowardly enemy propose to wage the war of the assassin - war to the knife." Promises that soon they will recieve new clothing, rest and payment. It is clear that the weather has made many of McClellan's men sick and weak. Also signed by McClellan for Major General Worth.

GLC08953.02

8 September 1847

Scott, H.L. (Henry Lee), 1814-1886

Printed document signed

Title: General orders - No. 281.

Proceedings of a Court Martial for 29 soldiers accused & convicted "of desertion to the enemy" during the Mexican War. The men, all privates, all pleaded not guilty, all were sentenced "to be hanged by the neck until dead." Three, who deserted before war began, and four others, had their sentences commuted to fifty lashes and being branded. Another was remitted because his son, "remained faithful to his colors." The remaining men were executed on 10 September 1847.

GLC08954

7 March 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding a successful journey. Encloses public documents that require attention (not included). Is disappointed because Secretary of State William Marcy has not drawn up a Treaty of Extradition. Gadsden feels that his successful work in Mexico will be hailed in Washington. Reports that his recent meetings with Ward, Escandon, and L.S. Hargous, the U.S. Consul in Vera Cruz, have gone well and that he holds the upper hand. Mentions having dealt with the Mexican government regarding a treaty that is honorable to both parties. Asks Cripps to send the minutes of…

GLC03587.01

6 January 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding an upcoming reception at which he does not want to be present. Forwards a letter from J.B. Crocket of San Francisco (not included) who he wants Cripps to assist in deciphering a grant. Is still awaiting the notes from a conference Cripps was to send and explains that he may need to "make war" with Ward, using the notes as leverage. Mentions an upcoming interview with President Pierce and is concerned about his silence on the breach of trust, the center of which Gadsden believes is Ward and his cohorts. Promises that he and his treaty "will stand erect"…

GLC03587.07

February 5, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Annoyed with his Secretary regarding the conference notes he has been expecting since possibly March 1853 (see GLC03587.01 and .07). He has exposed Ward, and President Pierce has taken Gadsden's side. Gadsden is only disappointed that the provision regarding "the grant" has not been struck from the treaty, even after Ward had been outed. Rants about Ward being obtuse and treacherous and includes his thoughts on others' betrayals. Included clipping rebuts the rumor that Cripps became Gadsden's Secretary and Minister to Mexico because they were related. No postmark. Imprint in upper left…

GLC03587.08

February 22, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary reporting that the treaty is before the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations and expects a favorable decision which he hopes will upset Ward. Recaps the road to their success but adds a few caveats relating to unwanted amendments to the treaty. Discusses the importance of keeping the people involved in the treaty process honest and why it is their duty to do it. Notes that they want to replace Black enslaved people and enslave indigenous and Mexican people. Mentions the inevitable possession of Cuba. Adds personal news. Postmarked 22 February, Washington, DC.,…

GLC03587.09

30 May 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary residing in Napa, California, after receiving Cripps' commission to repair Mexico City from Secretary of State Marcy. Says he will meet with Cripps sometime in July. In case Cripps arrives first, Gadsden instructs him to secure comfortable lodging and together they will find more permanent housing. Suggests obtaining a good cook and translator. Feels inclined to take Cripps' mother along to Mexico as a companion for Mrs. Gadsden, but says that, instead, they will both see him off at the port. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below the word "Paris."…

GLC03587.02

9 October 1853

Autograph endorsement

Title: to unknown

Confidential endorsement has original author's name struck. Discusses the sin of writing letters on a Sunday and includes a funny anecdote. Writes about a possible lapse in the U.S.-Mexican treaty regarding the taxing of items left behind by American servicemen. Mentions the coinage Mexico has received from Americans living in that country and its prohibited circulation. Discusses rendering it valueless, then imposing a duty on coins carried out of the country. Discusses his knowledge of what conspires within the President's Palace and mentions the Mexicans' plan to trade with the United…

GLC03587.04

12 October 1853

Green, Thomas J., 1802-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Gadsden

Introduces Mr. Robert Rose, who is hand delivering this letter, as a businessman connected with building the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, of which Gadsden is an advocate. Writes that if Gadsden is successful in securing a treaty with Mexico for Sonora, he should insist upon 30 degrees north latitude from the Rio Grande to the Gulf of California. He says that the land is rich in silver, is closer to a Chinese trading post, and will be accessible by railroad. Encloses a letter for Hon. Robert J. Walker regarding the "Pacific road" (not included). Imprint in the upper left corner reads "O…

GLC03587.05

20 November 1847

Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866

Document

Title: General orders: No. 356

Signed by H.L. Scott. Partial docket reads "Orders No. 356." Trials of four American soldiers before a military commission on charges of robbery, manslaughter, and theft.

GLC00911.35