Description:

George B. McClellan
Mexico City, Mexico, May 5, 1848
George B. McClellan Superb ALS from Mexico City During War, 1848
ALS

George B. McClellan (1826-1885). Autograph Letter Signed, "Geo B McClellan," 3pp, on lined bifold stationery measuring 8" x 10.25", City of Mexico, May 5, 1848. Integral address leaf at verso with remnants of red wax seal. Expected mailing folds and creases with some tiny areas of loss. Very minor discoloration. In near fine condition and boldly signed.

McLellan writes a lengthy letter to J.G. Foster two weeks before the Mexican government ratified the Treaty of Hidalgo, including mention of several future Civil War generals. In part: "Harrison has arrived and is living with us - Smith, Stuart, Lee, Barnard, Beauregard & Harrison have all gone to Cuernavaca to see the caves & c - I hope that peace may be made by the time they return. I have my doubts though... You will have heard before you receive this that a quorum has at last been got together - now it remains to be seen what they will in the plenitude of their wisdom do - I presume we will know in three weeks, for it would appear to be a moral impossibility to put together such discordant elements for a longer period - doubtless one very great inducement for them to make peace will be the desire of handling the six millions they are to receive upon the ratification of the treaty - if they don't get that they can't get their pay & I imagine that they care as much for themselves as for their country. Many thanks for your kind wishes in relation to the consolation & the rays of light...but I fear you are premature. I reckon I should be cut if I tried, & besides even if I wished to & could succeed I am so unfortunate as to be a poor damned beggar of a teniente."

McClellan served as an engineering officer in the Mexican-American War as a first lieutenant and as a captain. He wrote this letter months after the conflict was formally ended by the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was signed on February 2, 1848. The U.S. Senate ratified the treaty on March 10, 1848, but the Mexican government would not ratify it until May 19, 1848. McClellan's letter references the voting process by the Mexican legislature. The treaty would not be formally proclaimed until July 4, 1848.

John G. Foster (1823-1874) was a classmate of McClellan's at West Point. He was born in New Hampshire and served with McClellan as an engineer in the Mexican-American War. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Molina del Ray in September 1847. Foster later served in the Union Army in the Civil War, reaching the rank of Major General.

A fantastic letter from McClellan during his last days of service in Mexican-American War. Only a few of his letters from this period still exist.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10.25"
  • Medium: ALS

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