Description:

Mexican War
various, ca. 1845-1847
Pair of Mexican War Letters Re: A Duel & Military Victories Enabling Slave Territory Claims
Archives
Two letters from the Mexican War concerning recent battles and a duel between Congressmen William Lowndes Yancey and Thomas L. Clingman. The first letter is 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 10", Washington, D.C., dated January 13, 1845. From Congressman George Fuller to Hon. William Jessup, relaying the details of the duel and recent appointments under President Polk. The second letter is 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 10", New York, dated April 11, 1847. From a man named Frank to his mother, in which he implies that recent military victories were used to acquire more Slave Territory from Mexico. Both letters have flattened mail folds. Uneven soiling and toning throughout. Very good overall.

Highlights from the letters:
1. January 13, 1845 - "…You have already heard I suppose something of the difficulty and expected duel between Messrs. Yancy of Ala. and Clingman of N.C. It is understood just at the moment of my writing, that those gentlemen returned from Baltimore last evening where a writ had been issued for their arrest, and this morning went out somewhere in the neighborhood of the District, and after 'two shots' without any harm being done, the thing was settled and a perfect reconciliation effected. The Texas question is yet in full blast, and a motion just made to take it out of Committee of the whole on Thursday next, was laid on the table by a decided majority. So, when we get it out of this boundless and bottomless sea of the committee of the whole, and get it to a vote is very uncertain. If all the gentlemen striving for the floor are to be accommodated, the 3d Of March may find us still debating. We have a rumor here among our mess that Col. Lusk is to go on the Bench in place of Judge Burnside. It cannot be so, can it? Though I do not know as we ought to be surprised at anything Gov. P. might do. The universal wonder here now is, who will President Polk bring to his cabinet? But no one can answer the question. Even those supposed to be the most in his confidence know absolutely nothing of what his intentions are, the speculations & statements of letter writers to the contrary notwithstanding. It seems to be settled, in the opinion of many at least, that Mr. Buchanan is to go to the Supreme Bench…"

2. April 11, 1847 - "…I send one [newspaper] today containing a summary account of the Bombardment and taking of Vera Cruz. There is considerable show of exultation here at present over the victories achieved by General Scott and Taylor, such as, illuminations, fireworks, firing salutes, tooting National airs, &c…But twas a famous victory! Oh yes the very commendable purpose of maintaining the national Honor - or in other words acquiring Slave Territory but no matter twas a famous victory. Among the men of some note I have seen in town was Gen Sam Houston who commanded at the battle of San Jacinto and took Santa Anna prisoner with the loss of 8 Texans to 800 Mexicans…"

The duel between the two men resulted after Yancey delivered a speech on January 6, 1845, in response to a speech by Clingman, a Whig from North Carolina, who had opposed Texas annexation. Clingman was offended by the tone of Yancey's speech and afterwards, Yancey refused to clarify that he had not intended to impugn Clingman's honor. Clingman challenged Yancey to a duel, and Yancey accepted. An exchange of pistol fire did occur, but neither combatant was injured.

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"
  • Medium: Archives

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