Description:

James Polk
Washington, DC, April 8, 1847
James Polk Mexican War Document Signed in Preparation for the Mexico City Campaign
DS

A manuscript document signed, "James K. Polk." One page, 8" x 12.75"; Washington, April 8, 1847. Flattened folds, with light soiling wear thereat. Scattered foxing and a small strip of tape along left edge at bottom. An important document recording the expansion of the U.S. Army in preparation to conduct a full-scale war against Mexico!

The document is a directive for Secretary of War William L. Marcy to "arrange by lo the relative rank of the Captains and of each grade of subaltern office appointed by virtue of the Act of Congress 'making provision for an additional number of General officers and for other purposes,' except the relative rank of the Captains of Dragoons and Voltigeurs in their respective regiments, and report the same to me for confirmation."

Before the Mexican War the regular U.S. Army numbered only about 8,000–9,000 men. Once the war began, tens of thousands of volunteers were called up. On March 3, 1847, Congress passed the Act entitled "An Act to provide for an additional number of general officers, and for other purposes." The statute authorized the appointment of additional major generals and brigadier generals and made related administrative provisions to support the enlarged wartime army.

Key subsequent engagements would include the Battle of Cerro Gordo (April 18, 1847) and the Battle of Chapultepec (September 13, 1847), which would culminate in the capture of Mexico City on September 14, 1847.

As a result of the March 3, 1847 Act increasing the number of general officers, Zachary Taylor would be appointed Major General in the Regular Army on May 29, 1848. Taylor had earlier received brevet and volunteer promotions following his victories in 1846, but this later appointment gave him full major general rank in the Regular Army and set the stage for his eventual election to President of the United States.

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 12.75"
  • Medium: DS

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