1846 Letters

Belfast, IRL - 1 January 1846

I have no end to serve, no creed to uphold, no government to defend; and as to nation, I belong to none. I have no protection at home, or resting-place abroad. The land of my birth welcomes me to her shores only as a slave, and spurns with contempt t

Fort Moultrie, SC - 4 January 1846

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...I am pretty well acquainted with all the rich people round about

Washington, MD - 16 January 1846

You seem to think, that I yielded to the solicitations of a few persons, who were not my real friends, and that I came under pledges to renounce all pretensions to the Presidency.

Washington, MD - 16 January 1846

The question of peace and war is still very uncertain. Every thing will depend on the Senate, and the course of Whigs in the body.

Akron, OH - 27 January 1846

Our sales of sheep (mostly bucks) since August amount to about $640.

Perth, SCT - 27 January 1846

Slavery has its own standards of morality, humanity, justice, and Christianity. Tried by that standard, it is a system of the greatest kindness to the slave - sanctioned by the purest morality - in perfect agreement with justice - and, of course, not

Washington, MD - 29 January 1846

You will have seen by previous conveyance, that I have taken my stand on the side of peace, with what success time only can decide.

Royal Hotel Dundee, SCT - 29 January 1846

I had a view the other day of what are called the Grampion mountains that divide eastern Scotland from the west. I was told that here the ancient crowned heads used to meet, contend and struggle in deadly conflict for supremacy

Dundee, SCT - 10 February 1846

We held a very good meeting here last night, crowded to overflowing with a people whose influence cannot but be felt by the free Church.

Elmwood, MA - 18 February 1846

I do not value much the antislavery feeling of a man who would not have been abolitionist even if no such abomination as American Slavery ever had existed.

Trenton, NJ - 22 February 1846

It is important to show that the idea of such a balance of power is preposterous, that the slave holding states are now and ever must be in a minority

Elmwood, MA - 23 February 1846

As it is, I consider every poem I write (whether I publish it or not) as a letter to all those whom I hold personally dear.

Washington, MD - 25 February 1846

I will submit your proposition about your negroes to Andrew, before I give an answer. Your proposal is based on fair and equitable principles.

Montrose, SCT - 26 February 1846

The immediate, and it may be the main cause of the extreme poverty and beggary in Ireland, is intemperance. This may be seen in the fact that most beggars drink whiskey.

Monterey, CA - 4 March 1846

The undersigned has the honor to inform the Honorable Secretary that Captain J. C. Fremont arrived within this department in January last, with his party of fifty men

Sacramento Valley, CA - 6 March 1846

John Sutter journal entry... Capt. Fremont arrived at the fort with Kit Carson, told me that he was an officer of the U. S. and left a party behind in Distress and on foot...

Monterey, CA - 9 March 1846

Captain Fremont is eight or nine leagues from this place encamped, intending to move as soon as the state of his horses will permit.

Monterey, CA - 9 March 1846

It is impossible to say whether Senor Castro, the prefecto, and the general will attack Captain Fremont ; we expect such will be the case.

Monterey, CA - 9 March 1846

...if required, there will be by the next week, a much larger body collected ; should this force be used against Captain Fremont, much blood will be shed

Hawks Peak, CA - 10 March 1846

I am making myself as strong as possible, in the intention that if we are unjustly attacked, we will fight to extremity, and refuse quarter trusting to our country to avenge our death.

Monterey, CA - 10 March 1846

I take the liberty to propose to him that before proceeding to extremities, he will please to address a communication to Captain Fremont

Monterey, CA - 10 March 1846

The alcalde of Monterey has requested of me a copy in Spanish of your letter.

Tamanlipas, TX - 17 March 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We, the Second Brigade, left Corpus Christi at eight in the morning on the tenth.

Washington, MD - 23 March 1846

But in the midst of these gratifying indications, I soon saw, that I had excited the jealousy of party leaders on both sides. Their Organs, the Intelligencer and the Union, gave sure indications of that.

Washington, MD - 23 March 1846

Of the other copies of my speech on the Oregon question, one is intended for yourself and the others to be disposed of as you please. The translation and publication of one in the German language might have a good effect.

Richmond, OH - 24 March 1846

I am out among the wool-growers, with a view to the next summer's operations.

Monterey, CA - 27 March 1846

Captain J. C. Fremont, of the United States Army, arrived at this United States consular house in Monterey, on the 27th of January, 1846.

Matamoras, MEX - 29 March 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - On the twenty-sixth we advanced our camp three miles where we awaited General Taylors return.

Washington, MD - 29 March 1846

I now write simply to inform you, that the treaty has been ratified by the Senate in a manner highly honorable to you.

Washington, MD - 0 April 1846

With proper management the Oregon question and the Mexican difficulties could have been long since settled

Washington, MD - 1 April 1846

I sent a few days since a copy of my speech on the Oregon question and Fremont's report to you and also to James. I hope they both have been received.

Monterey, CA - 2 April 1846

In giving my first information to the department respecting Captain Fremont's arrival in California, I did not anticipate such an extensive correspondence as it has now reached.

Matamoras, MEX - 9 April 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We have been as busy as a light infantry company on drill ever since we arrived eleven days ago.

Glasgow, SCT - 15 April 1846

Of the low and vulgar epithets, coupled with the false and somewhat malicious charges, very little need be said. I am used to them. Their force is lost upon me, in the frequency of their application.

Glasgow, SCT - 16 April 1846

I doubt not that my old master is in a state of mind quite favorable to an attempt at re-capture. Not that he wishes to make money by selling me, or by holding me himself, but to feed his revenge.

Elmwood, MA - 16 April 1846

How many a time I have met you coming down Arch Street, looking as grave as if you carried the weight of your whole warehouse upon your head, or were thinking of war or of slavery or of prostitution, or, in short, of society as it is

Castle Howard, ENG - 17 April 1846

The reason for my breaking in at all upon the repose. of Ashland (a repose, however, against the cause of which I protest in common with the sound sense of mankind at large), is to satisfy the request of a friend

West Point, NY - 23 April 1846

Thomas Jackson letter fragment to sister Laura ...Rumor appears to indicated a rupture between our government & that of the Mexican.

Sacramento River, CA - 24 April 1846

I had the good fortune to save the lives of Mr. Gillespie and party from the Indians. In a charge at night by the Tlamath Indians...

Lassens Rancho, CA - 25 April 1846

There is required for the support of the exploring party under my command, at present almost entirely destitute, the following amount of supplies...

Matamoras, MEX - 28 April 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - Since my last letter we have had busy and exciting times.

Point Isabel, MEX - 3 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - Day before yesterday we left our fort in command of Major Brown...

Point Isabel, MEX - 7 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - the enemy had fired near fifteen hundred balls and shells at the work

Matamoros, MEX - 9 May 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - After a severe affair of yesterday, principally with artillery, with six thousand of the best Mexican troops we succeeded

Battle Field Near Matamoras, MEX - 10 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We pushed on and by two o clock deployed in order of battle, the Mexicans showing themselves in line in much superior numbers.

Independence, MO - 11 May 1846

Tamzene Eustis Donner letter to an unknown sister... We go to California, to the bay of San Francisco. It is a four months trip.

Washington, MD - 12 May 1846

As a Mexican question, it is to be deplored without looking beyond; but I regard that far less so, than its effects on our European relations.

Matamoras, MEX - 13 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - On the eighth, as I anticipated, we met the enemy on the prairie and fought them five hours whipping them severely.

Washington, MD - 14 May 1846

You will have seen by the papers that war is declared, and the course I deemed it my duty to take in reference to it. Never was so momentous a measure adopted, with so much precipitancy; so little thought; or forced through by such objectionable mean

Matamoros, MEX - 19 May 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I left Point Isabel on my return on the morning of the 13th & reached here, on the other side, on the same evening...

Matamoras, MEX - 19 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - That I was not killed is wonderful as I was in the ravine where so many fell...

London, ENG - 23 May 1846

The main object of my visit was to attend the annual meeting of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society - to do which, I had received a pressing invitation from the Committee of that Society.

Washington, DC - 25 May 1846

Winfield Scott letter to Hon. W. L. Marcy, Sec. of War... Your letter of this date, received at about 6 p.m., as I sat down to take a hasty plate of soup, demands a prompt reply

Washington, MD - 28 May 1846

You will see by the papers, that our Army has achieved brilliant Victories over the Mexicans, who by the by fought well. The Military feeling of the country is much excited and very high.

Washington, MD - 29 May 1846

I have seen enough of publick men to come to the conclusion, that there are few, indeed, whose attachment to self is not stronger, than their patriotism, and their friendship.

Matamoras, MEX - 30 May 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - One of the most violent storms which has assailed us in this region is now raging and it has cost me ... much labor to secure my tent.

Matamoros, MEX - 3 June 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - The trip to Detroit I apprehend would be too great an undertaking for Mrs Taylor in her feeble state of health...

San Francisco, CA - 3 June 1846

Permit me to say, sir, that if you should find it convenient to visit the U. S. Ship Portsmouth during her stay in this port, that I, with the officers of the ship, will be most happy to see you.

Akron, OH - 6 June 1846

DEAR SON AND DAUGHTER...Two lines would have told me all, and that you were or were not well.

Flag Ship Savannah, CA - 6 June 1846

I have, upon more mature reflection, come to the conclusion that your instructions of the 24th June last, and every subsequent order, will not justify my taking possession of any part of California, or any hostile measure against Mexico

San Francisco, CA - 9 June 1846

I have the honor to enclose a Requisition for supplies, made upon me by Capt. Fremont, of United States Topographical Engineers

San Francisco, CA - 10 June 1846

I feel gratified, sir, in having it in my power to forward you by Lieut. Hunter the amount of funds asked for in your name by Lieut. Gillespie, with most of the articles of store, etc.

Washington, MD - 11 June 1846

I came here to preserve the peace of the country, if it could be, consistently with its honor and durable interest. It was menaced with an English and a Mexican war, in consequence of the great mismanagement by the Executive

Washington, MD - 11 June 1846

The most important political news is, that it is now almost certain, that the Oregon question will be settled.

Matamoros, MEX - 12 June 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I observe you complain of the annoyance of the Volunteers, they are trifling to what I have to undergo & submit to...

Sonoma, CA - 15 June 1846

There was now no alternative but to die silently, and singly by the hands of our enemies or fly to meet the foe.

Junction Of The North And South Platte, WY - 16 June 1846

Tamzene Eustis Donner letter to an unknown friend... There are four hundred and twenty wagons, as far as we have heard, on the road between here and Oregon and California

South Fork Of The Nebraska, NB - 16 June 1846

Tamzene Eustis Donner letter to an unknown friend... To-morrow we cross the river, and, by reckoning, will be over 200 miles from Fort Laramie, where we intend to stop and repair our wagon wheels

Sausalito, CA - 16 June 1846

Permit me, sir, in response to your call for powder for the use of your party, to say that I am here as a representative of a government at peace (as far as I know) with Mexico and her province of California...

Elmwood, MA - 16 June 1846

Garrison is point-blank the other way. But his vocation has not been so much to feel the pulse of the public as to Startle it into a quicker beat...

Matamoros, MEX - 21 June 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I was pleased to learn the wounded officers were on the mend & hope they will not only be able, but will very soon leave for their homes...

Sausalito, CA - 23 June 1846

Individuals and small parties from this section have been joining the insurgents at Sonoma daily, I am informed, and Lieutenant Hunter brings intelligence of Sutter's union with them.

Santa Clara, CA - 23 June 1846

Commander-in-Chief of the Department, has had advice from various sources, that the boats of the American ship of war Portsmouth, now anchored in San Francisco, go about the bay armed for the purpose of examining its trade...

Matamoros, MEX - 24 June 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I am pretty well satisfied that patience & perseverance will enable most of us to accomplish what we determine on be it what it may.

San Francisco, CA - 26 June 1846

Castro has written to me, saying that "he had received advice from various sources, that the boats of the American ship Portsmouth go about the Bay of San Francisco armed for the purpose of examining its trade, etc."

New York, NY - 28 June 1846

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Tim and I went to the Park the other night to hear the beautiful opera of Norma. Tedesco is the greatest singer I ever heard.

Matamoros, MEX - 30 June 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - As regards your dept there is no doubt many abuses exist in it, but not more so than in every other at Washington...

San Francisco, CA - 1 July 1846

I have just received your note by Captain Hall, requesting, in the name of Captain Fremont, that one of the medical officers of the Portsmouth might be ordered to his command.

Sausalito, CA - 1 July 1846

Captain Fremont has requested me to address you upon the subject of a surgeon being ordered to his command.

Washington, MD - 2 July 1846

The settlement of the Oregon question has given great, and, I may almost say, universal satisfaction.

Sonoma, CA - 5 July 1846

I shall to-day continue my road towards Sutter's Fort, on the Sacramento.

Edgewood, SC - 5 July 1846

If we had California, with its vast harbors, in the next fifty years we could control the commerce of the Pacific and the wealth of China and India...

Monterey, CA - 6 July 1846

I have determined to hoist the flag of the United States at this place to-morrow, as I would prefer being sacrificed for doing too much than too little

Matamoros, MEX - 7 July 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - Should you determine on sending Bob to W. Point I wish your application may prove successful, I will give all the aid I can...

Charleston, SC - 9 July 1846

The passage of the Tariff has pleased, but not satisfied us. Perhaps it was the best terms which could at this crisis be got

Monterey, CA - 9 July 1846

I immediately sent to General Castro a copy of my proclamation to the inhabitants of California, and a summons to surrender forthwith to the American arms the forts, military posts, and stations, under his command

Washington, MD - 11 July 1846

The South and the West have never been so strongly united before; not only in reference to the Tariff, but the publick bonds, the warehousing policy; and all other questions save Oregon, which now that it is settled, will soon disappear.

Monterey, CA - 12 July 1846

I have one hundred marines and two hundred men on shore, well armed, and also two 18-pounder carronades, mounted for field-pieces, and can land the remainder of my force in a few minutes

Washington, DC - 12 July 1846

Previous instructions have informed you of the intention of this government, pending the war with Mexico, to take and hold possession of California...

Matamoros, MEX - 14 July 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I am fully aware of the difficulties you have to contend with, in the way of giving or withholding where officers are concerned, sick certificates

U.s. Frigate Congress, CA - 23 July 1846

It is very important to take General Castro or to drive him out of the country. Until one or the other is done, I see no hope of restoring peace and good order to this territory.

Matamoros, MEX - 25 July 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - A flying report has reached here which I do not credit, that the 2 d Infy. had been ordered to California...

Mission Of Carmel, CA - 25 July 1846

I had scarcely reached the Lower Sacramento, when General Castro, then in the north (at Sonoma...), declared his determination immediately to proceed against the foreigners settled in the country...

Washington, MD - 29 July 1846

The Whigs will make violent efforts to produce a reaction. They yield their hold on us with deep growles.

Washington, MD - 30 July 1846

The Subtreasury is now before the Senate and will doubtless pass. Indeed, it is not a little remarkable, that all the great measures I have advocated are in a fair way of being consummated

Edinburgh, SCT - 30 July 1846

I shall never forget those days and I may add those nights. I shall never forget how like two very brothers we were ready to dare, do, and even die for each other.

Matamoros, MEX - 4 August 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I again must say I sincerely hope that something will yet occur to bring this war to a speedy & favorable termination...

Washington, MD - 8 August 1846

I expect to leave tomorrow morning to join your Sister and Cornelia at the White Sulphur Springs on my way home.

Washington, MD - 8 August 1846

I leave here in the morning tomorrow for the White Sulphur Springs where Mrs Calhoun and Cornelia are waiting me to join them; and write in all the haste

Camargo, MEX - 11 August 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood -

Savannah, GA - 12 August 1846

That our friends are in high spirits I can readily conceive, particularly those, who take as deep an interest as I do in your fame and future advancement, for you never occupied so proud a position as you do at present

Camargo, MEX - 19 August 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - Two of the Gen officers referred to by you, who came over in the New York, reached here several days since...

Camargo, MEX - 23 August 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - We have had a large accession of Militia Genl s recently...

Los Angeles, CA - 31 August 1846

Martial law will continue in force throughout the whole territory, until otherwise ordered by the governor of the same.

Camargo, MEX - 3 September 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I have commenced the movement at last on Monterey & Saltillo nearly all the regular troops are now under march for the interior

Steamboat North Carolina, MO, MEX - 5 September 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - There is no end to human calamity!

Cairo, MO - 6 September 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - You perhaps remember this place at the mouth of the Ohio.

Camp At Surralvo, MEX - 10 September 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood -

Fort Hill, SC - 15 September 1846

The course you indicate as proper to be taken in reference to Mexico, however wise, is one, which I cannot hope that the Administration would be induced to adopt.

Camp At Marin, MEX - 16 September 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I have commenced the movement at last on Monteray & Saltillo nearly all the regular troops are now under march for the interior...

Amesbury, MA - 16 September 1846

I see by the papers that thy lecture in Faneuil Hall takes place on the 18th. There is one point which I wish to call thy attention to.

Monterey, CA - 18 September 1846

I send enclosed the correspondence between General Castro and myself. I did not answer his last letter, but by a verbal message, which does not properly Belong to history. We found in and near his camp ten pieces of artillery six in good order, and f

Monterey, CA - 19 September 1846

I have sent Major Fremont to the North to see how many men he could recruit, with a view to embark them for Mazatlan or Acapulco...

Monterey, CA - 19 September 1846

I am informed by express from Commander Montgomery, at San Francisco, that Suter's Fort, on the Sacramento, is threatened by a thousand Indians from the Oregon, of the Walla-Walla tribe.

Fort Hill, SC - 20 September 1846

Your remarks in reference to my Memphis Report shows, that you rightly appreciate the state of parties with us, and its probable effects, in bringing about a reorganization of parties.

On Board The James L. Day, TX - 22 September 1846

Thomas Jackson letter to uncle James M. Jackson... The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday

New Orleans, LA - 23 September 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - I have a sad tale to tell you of all my ill luck since I wrote you from CAIRO.

Point Isabel, TX - 25 September 1846

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... on the succeeding Wednesday received orders to report without delay to Capt. Francis Taylor

Monterrey, MEX - 25 September 1846

The town is ours after a severe conflict. The Mississippians were brought into action on the 21st and performed some brilliant service.

Monterey, MEX - 28 September 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - reached here on the 19th & after receiving a few cannon shot from the enemies...

San Francisco, CA - 28 September 1846

I am here, anxious to know what prospect there is of your being able to recruit my thousand men for a visit to Mexico.

Springfield, MA - 29 September 1846

I feel assured that notwithstanding God has chastised us often and sore, yet he has not entirely withdrawn himself from us nor forsaken us utterly.

Steamer Off Brasos, MEX - 30 September 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - It is early morning. We have lain here rolling in a heavy sea since yesterday.

San Francisco, CA - 30 September 1846

You will, as soon as you are ready, proceed to sea under your sealed orders, with this modification, however : you will, on falling in with the Cyane, send her immediately to San Francisco, instead of detaining her on the coast

San Francisco, CA - 1 October 1846

On my arrival here with the Congress and Savannah in pursuit of the Walla-Walla Indians, I was glad to find that their numbers had been greatly exaggerated and that they were friendly-disposed.

Monterey, MEX - 12 October 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I was very much gratified to hear the health of the command at Fort Polk was improving...

Camargo, MEX - 12 October 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - This is the hottest and dustiest place I have ever seen...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 21 October 1846

John Sutter journal entry... rumors was circulating that war had been declared between the U. States and Mexico...

Springfield, IL - 22 October 1846

abraham lincoln -- From a Letter to Joshua F. Speed. Springfield. October 22, 1846

Monterey, MEX - 26 October 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife -

Springfield, MA - 29 October 1846

Yours of the 22d, telling us of the death of brother King, is received.

Fort Hill, SC - 29 October 1846

I have just finished the preperation of a paper giving my views on the subject of changing the mode of appointing the electors, in complyance with the request of several of the members elect of this District.

Monterey, MEX - 2 November 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - The scenery far surpasses anything in the States, and our traveled friends say, anything in Europe.

Monterey, MEX - 8 November 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Monterey, MEX - 10 November 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - Your letter ... communicating the distressing intelligence of the death of your brother...

United States Ship Lexington - 10 November 1846

W.T. Sherman letter to brother John Sherman...The wind is now so strong and fair that we have hopes of reaching Valparaiso in about ten days...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 11 November 1846

John Sutter journal entry... Don Andres Castillero arrived at the Fort in Company with Genl. Dn. Jose Castro...

Washington, DC - 21 November 1846

James Polk journal entry... Despatches were received last night from General Taylor, which the Secretary of War produced and they were read. They gave a more detailed account of the battle of Monterey...

Fort Hill, SC - 21 November 1846

You evince good judgement, in preferring a new and growing country to an old, and decaying, or even a stationary one.

Saltillo, MEX - 23 November 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Washington, DC - 23 November 1846

William Marcy letter to Winfield Scott

San Diego, CA - 23 November 1846

The war in California being, as I supposed, at an end, and having ordered the other ships of the squadron to the coast of Mexico, there to await my arrival, I was about to transfer the government of California to other hands...

New York, NY - 24 November 1846

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... It is hard for me to write my thoughts. If I was with you I could talk more in five minutes than I can write on two sheets of paper. But I must begin to practise at this kind of work more than I have done.

Monterey, MEX - 26 November 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I left here on the 13th ins with part of the com d for Saltillo to take possession & occupy the same...

Washington, DC - 1 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... Col. Benton called again this morning and resumed the examination of that part of my message which I submitted to him on yesterday in relation to the war with Mexico

Camp At Warners, CA - 2 December 1846

I (this afternoon) reached here, escorted by a party of the First Regiment Dragoons. I came by orders from the President of the United States.

San Diego, CA - 3 December 1846

I have this moment received your note of yesterday, by Mr. Stokes, and have ordered Captain Gillespie, with a detachment of mounted riflemen and a field-piece, to your camp without delay.

San Diego, CA - 3 December 1846

I have this moment received your note of yesterday by Mr. Stokes, and have ordered Captain Gillespie, with a detachment of mounted riflemen and a field-piece, to proceed to your camp with out delay.

Camp Near San Pasqual, CA - 6 December 1846

this morning General Kearny, with a detachment of the United States dragoons and Captain Gillespie's company of mounted riflemen, had an engagement with a very considerable Mexican force near this camp.

Monterey, MEX - 10 December 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - The next three months will in all probability bring about important results as regards this War...

Springfield, MA - 10 December 1846

I hope you will visit my family as often as you can during my absence, and that you will write us often while here.

Washington, MD - 12 December 1846

I can see no immediate end of the Mexican War. It seems certain, that an attack is contemplated on Vera Cruz both by sea and land; but mainly by the latter.

Monterey, MEX - 13 December 1846

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - As regards the taking possession of Tampico...

Edgewood, SC - 13 December 1846

After I returned from selling some cotton in Hamburg I heard you had passed on down by Mr. Clemson's place. I am sorry you did not come by.

Washington, DC - 14 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... I explained to them the objections to General Taylor and General Scott, and the impossibility of conducting the war successfully when the General-in-chief of the army did not sympathize with the government...

Saltillo, MEX - 16 December 1846

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Washington, DC - 17 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... I submitted today to the usual trouble and annoyance of members of Congress and others, who called as usual to apply for petty offices for their friends

Amesbury, MA - 18 December 1846

We are about starting our "National Era" at Washington, and should be glad of a note of encouragement from thee.

Washington, DC - 19 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... I addressed a note to Senator Calhoun of South Carolina this morning requesting him to call on me today

Washington, DC - 21 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... I had a conversation with him in relation to the propriety of creating a Lieutenant-General of the army, and expressed to him my apprehensions

San Diego, CA - 22 December 1846

I do not think that Lieutenant-Colonel Fremont should be left unsupported to fight a battle upon which the fate of California may, for a long time, depend...

Manchester, ENG - 22 December 1846

I am legally the property of Thomas Auld, and if I go to the United States, (no matter to what part, for there is no City of Refuge there, no spot sacred to freedom there,) Thomas Auld, aided by the American Government, can seize, bind and fetter, an

San Diego, CA - 23 December 1846

You certainly could not for a moment suppose that I would advise or suggest to you any movement which might endanger the safety of the garrison and the ships in the harbor.

San Diego, CA - 23 December 1846

My purpose still is to march for St. Louis Rey as soon as I can get the dragoons and riflemen mounted, which I hope to do in two days.

San Diego, CA - 23 December 1846

...in my opinion, not one of the horses referred to is fit for dragoon service...

Washington, DC - 24 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... I resumed the conversation which I had with him a few days ago, about the proper manner of conducting the Mexican War.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 25 December 1846

John Sutter journal entry... Arrived Capt. W. L. Hastings direct from the U. States crossing the Mountains with 11 men...

Washington, DC - 25 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... It being Christmas day, the family attended church. I remained in my office...

Washington, MD - 27 December 1846

The Mexican war is the great and absorbing question. Many now begin to see, that it is like to prove a very troublesome and embarrassing affair

Washington, MD - 27 December 1846

Your letter made your Grandfather very happy.

Washington, DC - 28 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... An unusual number of visitors called this morning, and among them many members of Congress. With but few exceptions they were all on the business of seeking office for their friends.

Washington, DC - 29 December 1846

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Barrow, as I am informed, accompanied Mr. Davis to Baltimore, where the terms of a duel or hostile meeting would be arranged