Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Scott, H.L. (Henry Lee), 1814-1886 General orders - No. 281.

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08954 Author/Creator: Scott, H.L. (Henry Lee), 1814-1886 Place Written: Tacubaya, Mexico Type: Printed document signed Date: 8 September 1847 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22 x 15.5 cm. Order a Copy

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.

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

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources