Mexican War


U.S. Army Officer Goes to Bat for a Colleague Who "was wounded at the Resaca” Great Mexican War Content!



1pp ALS inscribed and signed by one W.W. Marthwell (?) at bottom right of first page. Unlined bifold cream stationery, with blind stamp heraldic seal located in upper left corner of first page. In near fine condition, with expected paper folds, some torn, and isolated stains. Minor weathering and illegible pencil inscriptions found on blank fourth page. Each page measures 8.25” x 10.625”.

On September 23, 1847, W.W. Marthwell (?) dispatched this letter from 1st Division Headquarters in Mexico. Marthwell, likely a clerk or aide-de-camp, forwarded a copy of an officer recommendation to an unknown Major. Regimental histories tell us that the 8th Regiment of Infantry mentioned in this letter participated in the major battles leading up to the assault on Mexico City in the month preceding this letter. The 8th Regiment engaged with Mexican forces at Contreras on August 19, 1847, Churubusco on August 20th, Molino del Rey on September 8th, and Chapultepec on September 13th. Mexico City fell to the besieging American forces after these decisive battles, and General Winfield Scott (1786-1866) became its military governor. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed less than six months later, in February 1848.




The letter in full can be found below:




“Head Quarters 1st Division

Mx. Sep. 23d 1847


Major,


I have the honor to inform you that the protest of the offices of the 8th Regt. has been forwarded to Genl. 1st Div. with the following Endorsement, viz: ‘Altho this paper is highly exceptionable in its language + tone, it is respectfully submitted to the consideration of Gnl-in-Chief … in behalf of - Major Fiske as Col. of the 8th Infy. – this non-comd. officer, is extremely well educated, of suitable age, with the manners of a gentleman. He was wounded at the Resaca, and altho, he may not have surpassed non-comd. officers – attaining, equal, as sergeant Major, he was named from of many, having the advantage of Education and fitness – I am aware that he has occasionally indulged in a vice too common in the Army – but having closely observed this non-comd. officer, I have felt assured, that in his case, indulgences arose from his false and unnatural position – I not only reiterate my recommendation, but request that he may be attached to the 8th Regt. of which I have the honor to be Colonel’.


I am Sir very Respuly yr. obd. srvt.

W.W. Marthwell (?)”


As this letter demonstrates, the ideal mid-nineteenth-century infantry officer should have military courage, intelligence, proper comportment, and vigorous health. The officer considered for promotion possessed these faculties, and was recommended without reservation by his superior officer. Interestingly, some objected to the officer’s promotion. There is a reference to “protest” in the beginning of the letter, and the superior officer himself mentioned that the officer occasionally participated in an unnamed “vice too common in the Army” arising “from his false and unnatural position”. This vice was probably excessive drinking. On the positive side, the officer in question was wounded at the Battle of Resaca de la Palma on May 9, 1846 in which the U.S. Army under General Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) forced the Mexican Army out of Texas.



An interesting look into army politics during the Mexican War!



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