Description:

Pierce Franklin

Autograph letter signed. Bi-fold letter penned on the recto and verso of the first page, with the recto of second page blank. Docketed and addressed to the last page. 7.75" x 9.75". Boldly signed by Franklin Piece as "Fr Pierce", and dated "March 26, 1847". Pale blue paper stock with expected folds, and a small stain to the front. Small neatly cut triangular area which appears to have applied over the wax stamp with professional repair to separation along fold. Else near fine with light grubbiness.

A letter to Edward Burke, Commissioner of Patents, hoping to secure an appointment for a Mr. Fletcher in one of the New England regiments during the Mexican War. Pierce had recently become a brigadier general a few weeks earlier, and would soon command a brigade. Pierce makes his argument in favor of Fletcher:

"He would stand in no man's way as we are in the service only for the war. If I am not greatly mistaken, a young Gentleman from Baltimore by the name of Archer was appointed a Lieutenant in one of the Maine companies. My observation during the years I passed at Washington led me to believe that in a matter of this magnitude where there was a wish there was generally found a way..."

Active military service was a long-held dream for Pierce, who had admired his father's and brothers' service in his youth, particularly his older brother, as well as that of the husband of Pierce's older half-sister Elizabeth. As a legislator, he was a passionate advocate for volunteer militias. As a militia officer himself, he had experience mustering and drilling bodies of troops. When Congress declared war against Mexico in May 1846, Pierce immediately volunteered to join, although no New England regiment yet existed. On March 3, 1847, Pierce was promoted to brigadier general, and took command of a brigade of reinforcements for General Scott's army, with Ransom succeeding to command of the regiment.

Ex-Forest Sweet and Robert Douglas Stewart, with attached biography and Forest Sweet's original folder.

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