1847 Letters

Washington, DC - 1 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... According to an invariable custom which has been observed by all my predecessors, the President's mansion is thrown open for the reception of visitors on the first day of every year

Washington, DC - 2 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Buchanan repeated the opinion which upon several occasions before he had intimated, that it was bad policy to think of marching a great army upon the City of Mexico

Washington, DC - 4 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Preston King of New York had introduced into the House of Representatives a bill on the subject of slavery which had produced much sensation in the body

Washington, DC - 5 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... From them it appears that General Taylor has paid no regard to the views of the Government, but has dispersed the troops in small bodies at different and distant points from each other...

Springfield, MA - 5 January 1847

Sometimes my imagination follows those of my family who have passed behind the scenes; and I would almost rejoice to be permitted to make them a personal visit.

Athens, GA - 6 January 1847

The mode suggested by you for the further prosecution of the War is the one which had not only occurred to me previous to the reception of your letter, but I have frequently suggested it to others

Washington, DC - 7 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... I now predict that no President of the United States of either party will ever again be reelected.

New York, NY - 10 January 1847

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... I have sat down to converse with you once more through the medium of the mail and like all persons when they don't know how to begin, commence with the weather.

Washington, DC - 11 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... The Secretary of the Navy read to me the rough draft of a despatch which he had prepared to Commodore Stockton in the Pacific...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 14 January 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Capt. Leidesdorff U. S. vice Consul & Capt. Hinckley, Capt. of the Port of San francisco, arrived on a friendly Visit

Washington, DC - 14 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... I had a conversation with Col. Benton about General Taylor's mismanagement of the war...

Washington, DC - 16 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... The Cabinet were unanimous, also, in opinion that if by treaty or otherwise the United States should acquire any territory from Mexico...

Washington, DC - 19 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Rush gave me some interesting details which occurred when he was connected with Mr. Madison's administration...

Washington, DC - 21 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... In truth he is too fond of spending his time in fashionable and light society...

Steamboat - Rough And Ready, MEX - 22 January 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Washington, DC - 23 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... Saw company this morning until the hour of the meeting of the Cabinet. Among others who called was Senator Crittenden of Kentucky.

Washington, DC - 25 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... a letter bearing the signature of General Taylor and purporting to have been written near Monterey in Mexico...was published in the New York Express

Washington, DC - 26 January 1847

James Polk journal entry... The Cabinet were unanimous in condemning Taylor for writing such a letter and Gaines for publishing it...

Monterey, MEX - 26 January 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I had been stripped of nearly the whole of the regular force & more than one half of the Volunteers...

Camp Palo Alto, MEX - 27 January 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Monterey, MEX - 30 January 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - had been surprised, killed or made prisoners, not one escaping to tell the news...

Washington, MD - 30 January 1847

Nothing stands between the country and unbounded prosperity in all branches of its industry, but the unfortunate Mexican war.

Washington, DC - 1 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... The prospect of the passage of the bill before Congress to raise ten regular regiments for the war against Mexico brought a large number of members of Congress...

Los Angeles, CA - 6 February 1847

Benjamin Lippincott letter to John L. Stephens... My tour from New York has been one wild adventure with all the changes of an ardous trip, intermingled with some pleasures and instruction.

Washington, DC - 6 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... This I thought necessary to vindicate myself before the people and to throw the responsibility for the failure to act upon Congress.

Los Angeles, CA - 7 February 1847

Benjamin Lippincott letter to E.H. Williams... This will serve to introduce you to adjutant, L.T. Talbot

Washington, DC - 8 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Calhoun can carry with him that many votes, and I now consider him the most mischievous man in the Senate to my administration.

Washington, DC - 9 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... The impression now is that the Ten Regiment bill will yet pass.

Camp At Agua Nueava, MEX - 9 February 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - One of the expectations of those who perpetrated the outrage against me was, that I would at once leave the country...

Washington, DC - 10 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... The Ten Regiment bill, I learn, passed the two houses of Congress today.

Washington, DC - 11 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... I learn that a motion was made today in the Senate by Senator Yulee of Florida to expel the editor of the Union...

Washington, DC - 13 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... About six o'clock P.M. I learned that the Senate had expelled Mr. Ritchie from the privileged seats of that body...

Camp At Brasos, MEX - 17 February 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife

Washington, MD - 17 February 1847

The country is, indeed, in a sad Condition, and the principles and doctrines of the Republican party are in a fair way of being permanently subverted through the weakness and folly of the administration.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 19 February 1847

John Sutter journal entry... California is about to be delivered up to the U. S.

Washington, DC - 19 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... My office was crowded this morning with visitors, most of them seeking military appointments.

Washington, DC - 20 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... The official report of General Scott with the correspondence between himself and Col. Harney was read

Washington, DC - 22 February 1847

James Polk journal entry... was conducted by them to the birthnight ball at Carusi's Saloon, where I remained about half an hour, and from thence I was conducted to Jackson Hall...

New York, NY - 23 February 1847

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... I always supposed that the Italian singing was all affectation and because it was fashionable it was liked but I must confess in spite of myself that I never heard such music in my life.

Ship Huron Off Lobos, MEX - 28 February 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - It is rumored that we are to commence our landing tonight I doubt it.

Washington, DC - 8 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... Tonight I found on my table a letter from General Benton dated on the 6th

Charleston, SC - 9 March 1847

I have just returned from addressing a very large and enthusiastick meeting. It is said to be the largest ever held here. I find perfect unanimity here, including Whigs and democrats.

Washington, DC - 10 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... Having seen in the New Orleans papers which arrived last night that Major General Butler was in New Orleans...

Springfield, MA - 12 March 1847

Have turned about four thousand dollars worth of wool into cash since I returned

Washington, DC - 13 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... submitted to the Cabinet the propriety of raising the blockade of such of the ports of Mexico as may be in the military possession of our arms...

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 13 March 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We could see a few Mexican soldiers on shore, but no evidence of any large force to oppose our landing...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 14 March 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Doctor Marsh sent an Express with information of Fremonts Difficulties with Castro

Washington, DC - 15 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... Brigadier-General Franklin Pierce of New Hampshire and Col. Caleb Cushing of Massachusetts called on me today

Washington, DC - 17 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... After night Senator Breese called. He has always an axe to grind

Washington, DC - 18 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... witnessed the marriage of his eldest daughter, Miss Eliza Benton, with Mr. Jones of New Orleans

Fort Hill, SC - 19 March 1847

On my return, I met Mrs Calhoun in Charleston waiting my arrival. My reception by the city authorities and the citizens generally was warm, and even enthusiastick never more so.

Washington, DC - 20 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... I condemned the purchase and employment of the thousands of wagons for which I learned requisitions had been made by the commander of the army in Mexico

Monterey, MEX - 20 March 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - The various assaults give me but little concern, alth it has brought on me a reprimand from the president...

Fort Hill, SC - 20 March 1847

The grievance of which you speak, in reference to the proposed substitution of a horse mail from Abbeville to the Double wells on the Georgia rail road, admits of no remedy, but the repeal of the act of Congress passed three years since

Los Angeles, CA - 22 March 1847

Benjamin Lippincott letter to his brother... This will serve to introduce to your acquaintance, Col. Wm. H. Russell, Sec. of State of California, under Gov. Fremont. You will find him a pleasant, affable, & instructing acquaintance

Washington, DC - 22 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... Upon a full examination of all the newspaper accounts from New Orleans containing all the information from General Taylor's army

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 22 March 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - The siege has progressed slowly and neither party has as yet injured the other materially.

Sherwood Forest, VA - 23 March 1847

I feel it to be due to myself to enclose you the New York Mirror of the 13th Inst. and to direct your attention to that portion of an article which I have designated by ink lines.

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 24 March 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - I have just come in from a picket tour of three days and two nights

Washington, DC - 28 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... Exciting rumours arrived this morning from General Taylor...

Fort Hill, SC - 28 March 1847

I see by the contents of your letter, that you have misunderstood me on a point, where I had supposed my meaning was very obvious.

Washington, DC - 29 March 1847

James Polk journal entry... General Benton called and read me a letter which he had addressed to the people of Oregon...

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 30 March 1847

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... I am now encamped on the road leading from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 30 March 1847

Thomas Jackson letter to General T.S. Jesup, Quartermaster General

Washington, DC - 1 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... By the Southern mail of this evening official despatches were received from General Taylor giving a detailed account of the battle of the 22d and 23d ultimo

Springfield, MA - 2 April 1847

I am quite sensible of the truth of your remark, that my family are quite as well off as though we possessed millions.

Monterey, MEX - 4 April 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - It is quite likely there will be no more fighting in this section other than with small detachments who may perhaps attempt to rifle the trains...

Washington, DC - 6 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... I remarked to Mr. Mason that Mr. Calhoun had become perfectly desperate in his aspirations to the Presidency...

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 6 April 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife -

Washington, MD - 6 April 1847

I need not say to you, that no one has a higher respect for your character, and that no one places a higher estimate on your friendship.

Washington, DC - 10 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... information had been received that the city of Vera Cruz and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa had surrendered on the 27th...

Fort Hill, SC - 11 April 1847

The spring has been very backward; but the weather has been warm and dry since the commencement of the month, and vegitation has pushed forward with great rapidity.

Washington, DC - 12 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... He told me that he had understood that Mr. Calhoun had come out for Mr. Taylor for President

Springfield, MA - 12 April 1847

I enclose ten dollars; and I must say that when you continue to make INDEFINITE applications for money, without giving me the least idea of the amount you need...

Washington, DC - 13 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Buchanan submitted for consideration the project of a treaty with Mexico, which he had prepared...

Washington, DC - 14 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Beach describes the revolutionary condition of Mexico, but expresses the opinion that a treaty may be made which would be satisfactory to the United States...

Washington, DC - 16 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... Mr. Trist set out on his mission to the headquarters of the army this morning, with full powers to treat with the authorities of Mexico for peace

Camp Near Vera Cruz, MEX - 17 April 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - we were ordered on board the steamer McKim to go up the Alvarado River after horses and mules.

Fort Hill, SC - 17 April 1847

The mistake, which I think you and the most of my friends make in reference to myself is, that you do not fully realize how completely I hold my own advancement subordinate to what I deem my duty to the Country.

Vera Cruz, MEX - 19 April 1847

Winfield Scott letter to William Marcy

Washington, DC - 20 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... official despatches were received from Col. Price, commanding at Santa Fe, announcing that a battle had been fought and a signal victory won...

Washington, DC - 21 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... In disclosing the fact of the mission of Mr. Trist and its objects, contrary to my solemn injunction, there has been treachery somewhere

Jalapa, MEX - 22 April 1847

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... I promised in my last that I would give you a more detailed account of Mexico in a subsequent letter. I will now endeavor to comply with that promise.

Jalapa, MEX - 23 April 1847

Winfield Scott letter to .William Marcy

Charleston, SC - 24 April 1847

On my return home, I found with few exceptions the Democratic press of Georgia was in full cry against you and among the most rabid and clamorous was the Columbus Times edited by a Son of the late Mr. Forsyth.

Jalapa, MEX - 25 April 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We were then nearly worn out with fatigue and started in bad spirits

Sacramento Valley, CA - 28 April 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Arrived Lieut. A. Gillespie of the U. States Marine Corps, who had secret Dispatches for Fremont...

Washington, DC - 28 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... I directed the organization into brigades and divisions of the ten regiments of troops authorized by Congress to be raised to serve during the war

Castle Of Perote, MEX - 29 April 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - The gorgeous flowers of this region are now in full bloom

Washington, DC - 30 April 1847

James Polk journal entry... Santa Anna was reported to be in front of the American army with 15,000 troops to resist their passage from Vera Cruz to Jalapa

Castle Of Perote, MEX - 30 April 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - What fools the Mexicans are that they don't make peace!

Mansfield, OH - 2 May 1847

John Sherman letter to William Sherman... We have heard, since I wrote the above, of General Scott's brilliant victory at Cerro Gordo

Haciendo, San Antonio, MEX - 3 May 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - the volunteers have fled in every action in which they have been engaged...

Fort Hill, SC - 6 May 1847

The views you take in reference to Ritchie, and the position in which it has placed me in reference to the hunker portion of the party are perfectly correct.

Monterey, MEX - 9 May 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - innumerable papers & letters congratulating me on the result of the battle of Buena Vista...

New York, NY - 10 May 1847

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Last Friday was a great day here, celebrating the victories in Mexico. Grand display of flags on the shipping and public buildings.

Vereyes, MEX - 10 May 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - we are on the verge of a peace

Puebla, MEX - 15 May 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - The papers here state that Santa Anna lost ninety men in the skirmish yesterday.

Jalapa, MEX - 25 May 1847

Thomas Jackson letter to sister Laura... I have the mortification of being left to garrison the town of Jalapa

Puebla, MEX - 27 May 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - We hear from Mexico this evening that Santa Anna has resigned all his offices

Monterey, MEX - 30 May 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I make no doubt was the election at hand I would be elected to the highest of office in the gift of the people...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 3 June 1847

John Sutter journal entry... I left in Company of Major Reading, and most all of the Men in my employ, for a Campaign with the Mukelemney Indians, which has been engaged by Castro and his Officers to revolutionize all the Indians against me...

Puebla, MEX - 4 June 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - My birthday I am forty years old

Fort Hill, SC - 10 June 1847

After giving the subject the most deliberat consideration, I cannot concur with you in opinion as to the expediency or propriety of my attending.

Fort Hill, SC - 10 June 1847

I am happy to hear, you are all so well, and that the children are making such progress; not in what is called learning only, but what is vastly more important at their age, in good sense and habits.

Fort Hill, SC - 15 June 1847

By having done my duty fully in reference to the Mexican war, as it relates both to its origin and the mode it ought to have been conducted, I stand free of all responsibility, and independent of both parties, and their entanglement.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 16 June 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Merritt & Kitt Carson arrived with News of Sonoma beeing occupied by the Americans...

Camp Near Monterey, MEX - 23 June 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I have for some time entertained the opinion that it would be a rare occurrence if there was again a slave holder elevated to the presidency...

Fort Hill, SC - 1 July 1847

There begins to be a good deal of feelings in this quarter in reference to the navigation of the Savanah River and Mr Sloane has been appointed by the farmers society

, MEX - 6 July 1847

Winfield Scott note to GEN P. F. SMITH.

Fort Hill, SC - 8 July 1847

The difference between North and South is daily increasing, in reference to the Slave question. It is hard to say to what it is destined to come.

Akron, OH - 9 July 1847

We mean to have the business done up before we leave, so as to have no breaking up of the family here.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 10 July 1847

John Sutter journal entry... After the War I was anxious that Business should go on like before...

Camp Near Monterey, MEX - 11 July 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - various papers which go very far to show the state of the public mind at the present moment as regards the election for the next president...

Camp Near Monterey, MEX - 20 July 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - the greatest efforts will be made to extol Gen Scotts achievements beyond anything that has occurred...

Fort Hill, SC - 24 July 1847

The Mexican war has been at a stand. There is ever[y] now and then a movement in favour of General Taylor.

Sacramento Valley, CA - 2 August 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Major Cloud, paymaster & Capt Folsom quartermaster arrived...

Fort Hill, SC - 13 August 1847

I am not at all surprised, that the victories our arms have achieved in Mexico should make so, deep an impression in Europe.

Camp Near Monterey, MEX - 15 August 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood

San Augustin, MEX - 19 August 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 31

Coyoacan - 21 August 1847

Winfield Scott letter to Gen. Santa Anna... Too much blood has already been shed in this unnatural war between the two great republics...

Tacubaya, MEX - 22 August 1847

E. Kirby Smith letter to wife - My brain is whirling from the long continued excitement and my body sore with bruises and fatigue...

Sacramento Valley, CA - 25 August 1847

John Sutter journal entry... Capt Hart of the Mormon Battaillon arrived...

Monterey, MEX - 25 August 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood

New York, NY - 27 August 1847

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... The other expedition which I made was to Coney Island, laying about ten miles from the city down to Sandy Hook. Here is a most splendid beach to go in bathing...

Tacubaya, MEX - 28 August 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 32

Camp Near Monterey, MEX - 29 August 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to JAMES BUCHANAN

Monterey, MEX - 31 August 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - I hope sincerely the yellow fever will not make its appearance at the Barracks

Springfield, MA - 1 September 1847

We got over the tedious job of moving as well as we could expect, and have both families comfortably fixed.

Fort Hill, SC - 6 September 1847

I agree with you, that the political condition of all western Europe is very unsettled, and especially France. Nor are we much better off. Our future is very uncertain.

Monterey, MEX - 8 September 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - Gen Scott on the 22 d ult defeated a division of the Mexican army

Tacubaya, MEX - 11 September 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 33

Monterey, MEX - 14 September 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood

Mexico City, MEX - 18 September 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 34

Brierfield, MS - 19 September 1847

The political information you communicate was entirely new to me, and it is only under the belief that the crisis renders important the views of every southern man, that I can account for any speculations having arisen about my opinions as to the nex

Penon, MEX - 23 September 1847

President Santa Anna's offer of general quarters to american troops

Monterey, MEX - 27 September 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - The deaths by yellow fever in the city are truly distressing particularly in Aug...

Monterey, MEX - 5 October 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - The death of S. Wright will very possible make some changes among the democratic party

Monterey, MEX - 19 October 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood

Fort Hill, SC - 24 October 1847

You will have seen by the papers, that the City of Mexico is in possession of our army

Monterey, MEX - 27 October 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood - Gen Pierces letter is a very contemptable afair, not worth the time or trouble it takes to read it

Springfield, MA - 1 November 1847

Our business, so far as I can judge, has gone along middling well during my absence.

Monterey, MEX - 2 November 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood ...Santa Anna had been removed from the command of the Mexican army...

New York, NY - 3 November 1847

Franklin A. Buck letter to sister... Yesterday they adopted a new mode of treatment: shaved his head and blistered it, and he now is in a very critical situation.

Monterey, MEX - 4 November 1847

I fully agree with you in the necessity for more deliberation in the selection of a candidate for the Presidency, and I truly regret that my name should have been used in that relation.

Fort Hill, SC - 9 November 1847

I foresee a session of great distraction and confusion. The old party organization cannot much longer hold together.

Fort Hill, SC - 13 November 1847

The position of the country is very critical. Great caution and great firmness combined are necessary to extricate it from its present difficulties

Steam Boat Col Cross, MEX - 17 November 1847

Zachary Taylor letter to Dr. R.C. Wood...cotton I observe has fallen some three cents since the opening of the market, which is a great falling off...

Athens, GA - 18 November 1847

Your letter presents a correct, but brief view, of the external and internal relations of the Country at the present time and you are right in your conclusion

Springfield, MA - 2 December 1847

I trust that getting or losing money does not entirely engross our attention ; but I am sensible that it occupies quite too large a share in it.

Charleston, SC - 9 December 1847

The Political movements are pregnant with events. The election of Winthrop would argue more harmony in the Whigs than was generally supposed.

Washington, MD - 10 December 1847

The Whigs have a small, but appearantly decided majority in the House, and the Democrats a large, but not a very reliable majority in the Senate.

Washington, MD - 11 December 1847

You of course have seen the Message and the course it indicates to be pursued towards Mexico. The impression here is, that it is intended to conquor and subject the whole country.

Mexico City, MEX - 17 December 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 40

Mexico City, MEX - 26 December 1847

Winfield Scott Mexican War Report No. 41

Washington, MD - 26 December 1847

If they should be defeated, We may look for the entire conquest and subjugation of Mexico. What a fearful result it will be for our country and institutions!

Baton Rouge, LA - 28 December 1847

I left Mexico after it was determined the column under my orders was to act on the defensive, and after the capital of the enemy had fallen into our hands, and their army dispersed, on a short leave of absence, to visit my family