-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1842
Letter from Wiley Pope Hale at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, New York, to his mother Harriet A. Hale, dated April 19, 1842. The letter is incomplete.
The letter reads:
[page 1]
United States Military
West Point N.Y.
April 19th 1842
My Dear Mother
I have just this moment opened your affectionate letter and I have immediately laid aside my books for the purpose of answering it and I am truly happy my dear Mother that in doing so I am able to relieve your mind from any apprehensions you may have entertained from the certificate of the Engineer Department refered to in your letter. But I am at present so agitated at the thought of what must have been your feelings when you read the report, that I am affraid you will hardly be able to read what I write. In the first place the report of my having used spiritous liquors is entirely false which originated entirely through a mistake of one of the Officers of the Army attached to the Military Academy. It seems that sometime about last Christmas some Cadets had procured some ardent spirits and becoming somewhat merry - and one of them made a good deal of noise at a concert given in the Mess Hall by the West Point Band - an officer happened to notice him from the lower end of the room – supposed him to be myself on account of the Corporal’s Chevrons which [page 2] he wore upon his arm. The officer sometime afterwards reported the circumstance to the Superintendent and said that he suspected the person to be Cadet Hale but that he was not certain. Nothing more was said of the matter untill a bout two months after when I learned that the Superintendent had reported it to the War Department - when I immediately repaired to Maj. Delafield and denied the charge and explained everything to his satisfaction. So dear Mother you may feel perfectly at ease on that subject and rest assured that your son never has nor never will dissipate whilst he remains at the Point. As to my demerit I will merely say that you made a slight mistake in reading it for instead of 115 it was only 1 1/5 (one demerit and one fifth part of a demerit) one fifth being added on the demerit of all Cadets for the 2nd year. I have less demerit than anyone in my class - as proof of which I am a Cadet Corporal and Dick Hays can inform you that no Cadet is ever made a Corporal unless he stands very high in good conduct. I presume I have written enough on this subject - I will proceed with my letter - I was particulary blest with letters by to day's mail – having received beside your kind letter one from my dear grandmother [page 3] Woods and one from Mary & George Tate in Missouri – Mother! I could not refrain from shedding tears when I read grand Ma 's letter she seemed so much grieved at the idea of your not returning to V[irgini]a and seems to think I am coming to live with her next summer - she says that she is going to plant a large water melon patch especially for my benefit - the other news contained in her letter was that grand Ma Hale's health was much improved - that Harriet Woods was to be married to Bob Early - Emily Taliaferro was lately married to Ferdinand Claiborne - Dillard was broke all to pieces - Uncle Sam was a candidate again for the Legislature - Poor Jo Peter's health was very bad she said that she did not think he would ever recover - Mrs. Tate wrote me a very friendly and affectionate letter indeed and I was truly glad to hear from her and George - She wrote that poor Henry Tate was no more - which you have heard before. She said that she had lately paid a visit to Mrs. Tomlin who appeared to be quite contented with her situation and was quite cheerful. George added a short postscript to Mary’s letter - he said he had succeeded in inventing a machine for thrashing hemp and requested me to make him a perspective [page 4] drawing of it - as he intended to apply to the Legislature of Missouri for a patent - which I expect I shall do when he sends me a description of the machine. Mary requests me to give her a description of my adventures in Texas when I write - she seemed to be under the idea that I must have been heart-broken at Josephine's marriage - and really thinks that I was once in love with Jo. I expect however that she is mistaken there –
I for got to mention that Grand Ma said something in her letter about the division of Grand Pa's estate which I could not make out well-
Tell Sarah I received her profile from Mr. Tomlin - and I take a long look at it every day for I consider it a very striking likeness. Who drew it? tell her I have commenced copying it to paint and will bring it home with me that she might judge how far I have succeeded. I flatter myself that I draw tolerably well - I am very glad that you sent me your permission for without it I could not have come - I have written so far that I find I will have to take another sheet to envellope it - but I fear that I have written already more than you can read - for it is [rest of letter missing]
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 August
An incomplete letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, at Camp Tennessee opposite Burito, Mexico, to Harret A. Hale, dated August 17, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page1]
Camp Tennessee Opposite Burito Mexico
August 17th 1846
Dear Mother,
I would have written to you several days sooner but for the fact that I have been so very busily engaged in assisting in the organization of our Regiment. Before commencing this letter, I must again be permitted to complain of you all for not writing oftener. I have only recieved two letters from home since I have been in Mexico, and I have written regularly once a week. I wrote sometime since to Bob Taylor and to Sal but have not yet received an answer to either. We are still encamped on the banks of the Rio Grande but will leave in a few days for “Camargo” on our way to attack the city of “Monterey” I am happy to inform you of the organization of our Regiment at last. The East Tennessee troops joined us about two weeks since and the election for field officers took place on the 8th inst. I know that you will be rejoiced to [page 2] hear that Genl. Wm. T. Haskell has been elected Colonel of our Regiment. I give below the “Field & Staff” of the Regiment which you can give to Mr. Gates for publication.
(2nd Regiment Tennessee Volunteers
Field
Wm. T. Haskell Colonel Commanding
David H. Cummings Lt. Colonel
(No Major yet elected)
"Staff "
Doct. David McKnight Surgeon
Doct. Enoch P. Hale Assistant Surgeon
1st Lt. Wiley P. Hale Adjutant)
1st Lt. Wm B. Davis Quarter Master
Legrand M. Jones Sergeant Major
Isaac Nichol Quarter Master 's Sergeant.)
You will perceive from the above that I have received the appointment of "Adjutant" of the Regiment. I have now the rank and pay of “Captain of Infantry”. The gentleman who has been appointed Assistant Surgeon is from East Tennessee, and is a distant relation of ours. I think that he was appointed through my influence. I wish you to send a paper containing the above list of officers to Uncle Sam Hale in Va. (The health of [page 3] that part of the Regiment from the Western District is remarkably healthy for this climate, but the East Tennesseans who are principally from the mountains are very sickly indeed. We lost three men in 24 hours out of the East Tennessee Battallion.) We have heard with sorrow and regret of the deaths of Wm. Turley, Thos D Connally and several others, and we all are extremely anxious about the health of our relations and friends in Jackson. We almost fear to open our letters for fear of hearing of the death or sickness of some one dear to us.
(The sick of the “Avengers” are all recovering very fast. Hiram and Maxcy Theus have both been sick but are now going about again. Stillwell also has recovered. Tom Spurrier who came near dying from the bite of a “tarantula” has entirely recovered.) Tell Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Jackson that Jo Freeman still continues one of the most healthy and robust members of our company. Jo is one of the best soldiers I have ever seen. All the rest of the company are in good health.
I took a trip a few days since to the city of Matamoros in company of several of the Avengers amongst whom were Max Theus Alex Henderson and Alex. Greene. We [page 4] all marched up to the city a distance of 30 miles on foot. As the weather is extremely hot here we choose the night for our journey. After walking about ten miles from our camp, we heard the noise of "fiddling and dancing” about a hundred yards from our road. We concluded to find out what it meant. We reached the place from which the music proceeded. What a sight was here presented! It was a Mexican Fandango! There were about a hundred Mexican Ladies and gentlemen assembled for a ball! They recieved us very politely and asked us by signs to participate in their amusements. We remained about three hours dancing with the dark eyed beauties of the Rio Grande and then resumed our march for Matamoros. We found the road very thickly settled with Mexicans who invariably treated us with great respect and kindness. The road however is said to be dangerous to travellers. The Mexican Ladies are not beautiful not half so beautiful as ours. They dress however with great taste and neatness and they remarkably graceful in dancing. They are very fond of waltzing, though we [rest of letter missing]
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 December
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, at the Camp of General Quitman's Division, Hacienda Sant Ingracias, near Hidalgo, Mexico, to Harriet A. Hale, dated December 28, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page 1]
Dear Mother,
As we have encamped at an earlier hour to day than on any other day during our march, I have concluded to spend the leisure time in writing to you. In my last letter which was written from Camargo, I informed you that we had received orders to march from that town to join Genl Taylor at Montemorrelles. In obedience to that order we left Camargo, on the 8th Dec, & arrived at Montemorrelles on the 18th when we met Genl Taylor who had arrived there from Monterey on the same day with the main body of the army. We had, however scarcely, pitched our “field worn tents,” upon the plain before the beautiful city of the mountains “(Montemorrelles”) when we again received orders to leave immediately and march with all haste to attack Genl Urrea at Victoria. Genl Taylor having received an express from Genl. Worth at Saltillo , that Genl Santa Anna was advancing with a large [page 2] force against him, he (Genl Taylor) left Montemorrelles in a few hours after our arrival with the entire Regular Army to reinforce Genl Worth at Saltillo, at the same time dispatching Genl Quitman with five Regiments of Volunteers (amounting to about 2500 men) against Victoria. We now are on our march to that city. Genl. Urrea is said to be encamped there with about 5000 Mexican cavalry. We are anxious to meet with the gentleman, as he is the same individual who, ten years ago, ordered the massacre at Goliad where Charles Haskell and his brave companions were so inhumanly murdered. If we find him at Victoria we will pay him up for old scores. Our present force consists of the 1st & 2nd Regiments of Tennessee Volunteers, Regiment of Mississippians, Regiment of Georgians, The Baltimore Battallion, and one company of “Flying Artillery.” Capt. Bob Foster is with us in fine health and spirits. He sends his best respects to you. He is one of my best friends here.
We have now been on the march about 3 weeks, and are now within 3 days march of Victoria. There are various opinions about the prospects of a battle [page 3] at that place. Genl Urrea is certainly there but whether he will give us a fight or not is extremely doubtful. I think that he will absquatulate before we get there. If we do not have a fight at Victoria, it is probable that we will continue on to San Louis Potosi, to meet old Santa Anna himself.
The health of our Regiment is now first rate – We left all of our sick at Camargo, and there is not, now, a single sick man in the “Avengers” Hiram Tomlin is as fat as a bear, as is also, Jo. Freeman, Allick Henderson Sam Lyon & the rest of the boys. We left at Camargo the following members of our company: viz: Bowling Cross – Wm Browning – Woodle - & Allix an den Tyner – who were too sick to stand the march. We are now marching through one of the most delightful countries in the world – The road runs along parallel with a range of tall blue mountains at the foot of which is a beautiful green valley intersected at distances of a few miles, with rivers, and mountain streams of the purest water. This valley is thickly settled with wealthy Mexicans, who live [page 4] in beautiful white cottages surrounded by extensive fields of sugar cane, and groves of orange, lemon, citron, pommegranate and every other description of tropical plant & fruit. It is now the dead of winter, and yet the weather is so extremely hot that I am compelled to go without my uniform except when on duty – I wish you could eat some of the fine oranges which I have now in my tent piled up as high as my head – they are twice as large as any I ever saw, and when pulled fresh from the trees – of the finest flavor – you never see any in the United States to compare with them – The Mexicans dont seem to value them and cultivate the tree more for the shade than the fruit. The water mellons here are also very fine though not so large as ours in Tennessee. The Mexican citizens along our route have been remarkably kind & friendly and furnish us with any thing we want. Well, I have written this much without knowing when I may have an opportunity of sending my letter – However I will continue to write whenever I have time and send them all by the first opportunity – there is no communication with the States – I will finish this at Victoria – farewell, dear mother, your son Wiley
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 July
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, camped near Someta, Mexico, to Burwell C. Keatts, of Smith, Gorin and Co., New Orleans, Louisiana, dated July 27, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page 1] Camp near Someta Mexico
July 27th 1846
Friend Keatts
After thanking you for your kindness in writing to me and enclosing a letter from Jackson, I will proceed to the fulfillment of my promise of writing to you frequently “from the seat of war.” Our Campagne so far has been so dull and uninteresting that I have deferred writing to you so long that I am now almost ashamed to do so at all. After leaving New Orleans we reached Brassos St. Iago after a disagreeable passage of three days across the Gulf. We remained at Brassos about 3 weeks and were finally marched to this place where we are at present encamped in company with the 1st Regt. of Tennesseans. We have a pleasant situation immediately upon the banks of the Rio Grande about half a mile below Someta which was once a Mexican village of some importance, but is now mainly a deserted “Ranche” having been attacked, plundered, and destroyed by the Comanche Indians about ten years since. [page 2] I was very much disappointed in the appearance of the Rio Grande. I find it a little swift muddy stream about twice the width of Hatchie River, but so crooked that you can scarcely tell which side you are upon in taking a walk of a half a mile! The soil upon the banks is extremely fertile and I think bids fair to rival the coast of Louisiana in the cultivation of Sugar and Cotton, whenever the current of American enterprise shall tend towards this direction. There are no trees upon the river with the exception of hammocks of low undergrowth called in this country “Musquite Chapparral” which is so thick as to be impenetrable to a man on horseback. The grass of the Praries and the undergrowth generally have the remarkable characteristic of all belonging to the thorny tribe of plants so that it is extremely uncomfortable to walk without high boots. Our camp is infested with inumerable insects and reptiles of every hue, size, and shape immaginable. I regret here to inform you that while at drill [page 3] yesterday evening Tom Spurrier was badly bitten by some very poisonous insect supposed to be either a spider or a tarantula. He was in a very critical situation during the whole of last night but appears to be much better this morning. Doct McKnight says that he now considers him out of danger. Stillwell has been very unwell for about 3 weeks but I am happy to state is now rapidly recovering. The rest of the “Avengers” are in fine health & spirits. Old Fleming is well and deserves great credit for his unremitting attention to the sick.
We know very little of the movements of the army or the Mexicans. It is reported that the Mexicans are now fortifying themselves at the city of Monterez towards which place we are to march in a few days. If there is to be any more fighting the “Avengers” will be “thar.”
The troops who volunteered only for six months have been disbanded and are to be sent home. The Louisianians are among this number. I visited [page 4] Balie Peyton at his encampment (about two miles below this) on yesterday. He has been very unwell and will return to your city in a few days. I must not conclude by requesting you to write often and forward me any newspapers which may be of the least interest. My respects to all friends and accept for yourself the best wishes of your friend truly
W. P. Hale
Hiram and all the boys send their respects
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 July
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, in camp near Someta, Mexico, to Harriet A. Hale, dated July 26, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page 1]
Camp
Near Someta Mexico
On the Rio Grande
July 26th 1846
Dear Mother
I again avail myself of an oppertunity of performing the delightful duty of writing to you. I have now written six letters home and have as yet received one from Sal and one from Alleck Campbell. You can not immagine the pleasure afforded me at the reception of these silent though expressive messengers from home. We marched from Brassos St. Iago four days since and are now encamped upon the banks of the Rio Grande about half a mile below Someta which was formerly a Mexican Village of some importance, but it is now only a deserted "Ranche” having been attacked, plundered, and destroyed about ten years since by the Comanche Indians. I was very much disappointed at the general appearance of the Rio Grande. It is a very muddy stream about twice the width of the Hatchie River and is very swift. There are no trees upon its banks with the exception of hammocks of low undergrowth called in this country “Musquite Chapparral” which is so thick as scarcely to be penetrable by a man on horseback. [page 2] The land upon the banks of the river is extremely rich and I think will rival the coast of Louisiana in the cultivation of Sugar and Cotton whenever the direction of American enterprise shall tend to this country. The grass of the Prairies and the undergrowth generally have the singular characteristic of belonging to the thorny tribe of plants, so that it is extremely uncomfortable to walk without high boots. Innumerable insects & reptiles of every hue, size and appearance infest our camp. Rattlesnakes are more abundant here than any other place upon the globe. They seldom bite, however, without first being disturbed and not even then without giving warning to the offender with the rattles with which Providence has so kindly provided them. I regret here to say that while at drill last evening, Tom Spurrier was bitten by some very poisonous insect (supposed to be a spider or tarantula) and was during the whole of last night in a very critical situation. He appears to be much better this morning and Doct McKnight says he is entirely out of danger. We set up with him all night. Stillwell has been very ill for about three weeks but is now rapidly recovering. I have not been in the least unwell since I have been upon the Campagne. [page 3] I consider this country one of the healthiest in the world. Had we been encamped at any place near Jackson and had undergone this same amount of privation or hardships, we would undoubtedly have had much more sickness in our Camp.
Jo Freeman, Hiram, Max Theus, Dick Hays, Genl. Haskell, Alex Henderson, Pic, Aleck Greene and all others of the Avengers are in excellent health [missing words] spirits - We were invited last night [missing word] a "Fandango” at a Mexican “Ranc[he” (missing)] six miles from our camp. The la[dies (missing)] who attended were not as beautiful [as (missing)] our own, but dress with great taste. Re[d (missing] is their favorite color. We have to [(missing) conv]erse with them by means of an interpreter as they can not speak a word of our language.
I suppose that you have heard that all the troops who volunteered for six months only are to be disbanded and sent home but as the Tennesseans are for twelve months we will be retained untill the end of the war which I think will be about Christmas. The Mexicans are reported to be fortifying themselves at the city of Monterey towards which we will take [page 4] up our line of march in 3 or 4 days. I visited Balie Peyton a few days since at his encampment about two miles below us. He has been unwell and will leave for New Orleans in a few days. Tell Sal that “Legrand Jones is in fine health & spirits. Josh Richardson, Capt Murray, & Lieut Hawkins are all sick. No more at present - Farewell Dear Mother
Your affectionate son
Wiley
Ned Johnson is here with a stock of goods. he has been appointed Sutler (store keeper) for our Regiment. Ned, Pic, Dick Hays, & myself live in the same tent. Tell Sal to "tell me some more” as Lizzy says. My love to all your affectionate son Wiley
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 October
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, in camp near Camargo, Mexico, to Harriet A. Hale, dated October 3, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page 1]
Camp near the city of Camargo Mexico
Oct. 3rd 1846
Dear Mother
I wrote you a few days since informing you that we were still encamped at this place, and also that Genl. Taylor had taken Monterey without firing a gun. A few days since, however, an express arrived from Genl. Taylor which places an entire different face to the whole affair. One of the hardest fought battles which has ever fallen to the lot of American arms, has taken place at Monterey!! We have gained the city but have lost about 500 men! Genl Taylor arrived at Monterey with about 7500 troops including the 1st Regt. of Tennessee Volunteers, on the 19th Sept. Our Regt. had not been ordered up in time! On the 21st Sept the attack upon the city commenced – it lasted three entire days and a part of the fourth. The 1st Regt of Tennessee bore the brunt of the battle and suffered more than any other Regt of the army! It went into the fight with 350 men, and had 123 killed & wounded. Among this [page 2] number I regret to say, are some of my most intimate friends. Your friend Bob Foster who commanded a company of the 1st Regt. has doubtless distinguished himself and escaped uninjured from the battle. An armistice has been signed by Genl. Taylor and Genl. Ampudia the Mexican General, by which hostilities are to stop for 60 days! Our Regt. (the 2nd) is soon to move up to Monterey. We will have a chance yet! The hardest battle to be fought is yet to take place at Saltillo! We will certainly be there, then look out for a good report. Our boys are very bitter against Genl Taylor for not ordering us up to Monterey before the battle-
There are now, at this city, about five thousand troops, and about seven thousand more at Monterey, making in all about 12000 to move against Saltillo.
Since the battle of Monterey, Mexican marauders have become quite troublesome to our troops! Two of our men belonging to Capt. Cooks Company of Memphis went out a few days since hunting and were found in [page 3] the evening murdered in the most shocking manner, their throats being cut from ear to ear, and both shot through the heart! Col Haskell & myself went out the next day with about 60 men on horseback to find the murderers. We scoured the country for about 30 miles from this city, but could find no trace of the perpetrators of the deed who is supposed to belong the banditti of Genl. Canales lurking in the neighbourhood. We searched several Mexican houses on our route, frightening the inhabitants very much, but could find no trace of the robbers.
I have made great progress in learning the Spanish language and can now speak tolerably well. I have a Mexican servant who I find very valuable in this country. He wants very much to go to the United States with me when I return.
The health of the “Avengers” is rapidly improving. We have only lost 3 of that company by death: Stilwell, Goodrich & James.
Jo. Freeman, Dick Hays, Hiram, Allix Henderson & Allex Greene are all well.
Wm Dickenson also enjoys excellent health- in [page 4] short, we have not a sick man in the company. The East Tennessee companies still continue very unhealthy and die very fast. The weather still continues very warm but I think turning somewhat cooler.
You can tell Mrs. Haskell that the Colonel enjoys excellent health. He is a most excellent officer and is very popular with the Regiment.
I hope you will not go to New Orleans before I get back for reasons which I explained to you before. All my hopes are now centered in Jackson for the present. I shall do something when I return in the way of making a living.
I am very economical and will be able to pay all my debts when I return. Tell Absalom to keep my horse fat. I want to keep him for a riding horse.
All that I care for here is that we may yet into one hard battle before we return- & I think the chances are good for it! If we do I shall do something to be mentioned for in despatches or die- No more at present my love to all – farewell dear mother
your son affectionately, Wiley
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 September
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, Camp Tennessee opposite Burito, Mexico, to Harriet A. Hale, Jackson, Tennessee, dated September 1, 1846.
The letter reads:
[page1]
Camp Tennessee Opposite Burito Mexico
September 1st 1846
Dear Mother,
I wrote you a few days since, but as our “sick” men are just about being sent home, I seize this opportunity of writing. The curling smoke of the steamboat “Rough & Ready” is now seen ascending the “Rolling Rio Grande? For the purpose of conveying our Regiment to Camargo, as I am writing, so I will be compelled to write this note in haste. We send home about 125 men from this Regiment on account of sickness, 10 of whom belong to the “Avengers”. Jo Echols or some other of our boys can give you all the news from our Regiment and the Army generally.
Last night a most horrible tradgedy was enacted in sight of our camp. There have been stationed just below us on the river several other Regiments of Volunteers, among whom is a Georgia Regiment which was ordered on board of a Steam Boat for Camargo. After two companies had got on the boat, a quarrel and finally a fight ensued among themselves. Another Regiment (from Indiana) was sent for to quell the riot. A regular engagement then took place [page 2] between the Georgia and Indiana Regiments which lasted about 15 minutes, during which Col. Baker commanding the Indiana Regiment was shot through the neck and some 8, or, 10 men killed dead or thrown overboard the boat. Among the dead, I hear with regret, is Lieut Ogilsby of Indiana who was one of the most promising young officers in the service. The Georgians are now under guard and will be sent to genl. Taylor’s head quarters for trial. The dead were buried this morning below our camp.
I wrote to Sal a few days ago by mail which letter will probably reach you some weeks before this. In that letter I gave her an account of the death and burial of poor Stilwell. Since his death Maxcey Theus has been very sick and delirious all the time. Poor fellow! It was indeed distressing to hear him talk of his home and mother! We start him home this morning in care of careful attendants but I fear that he will never recover. All of the “Avengers” who remain now are in good health and are anxious to prosecute the Campaign against the Mexicans. I have never been unwell a minute since I left Jackson. Why dont you all write oftener? I have only received one letter from you since I arrived in this country [page 3] I fear that most of your letters never reach me on account of being missdirected. Hereafter direct your letters to me as follows:
To Captain Wiley P. Hale
Adjutant of the
2nd Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers
Army of Invasion
Mexico
I enclose some wild flowers which I gathered on the “banks of the Rio Grande” which I want Sal to give to Miss Caroline Haskell. Tell her I know not the emblem, and as Flora does not mention them, she can give them emblems herself.
I must now close, as the boat is coming and I must attend to getting my Regiment ready to embark. Give my love to Sister, Sal, Bob Lizzy, Ann Tone[?] and all the family.
Farewell Dear Mother
Your Affectionate Son
Wiley
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 September
Incomplete and damaged letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, at Camargo, Mexico, to Harriet Hale, on September 13, 1846. Hale assures his mother there is no truth to the rumors that he has been drinking and says the suggestion he has refused to give Hiram writing paper is only because the paper belongs to the government not him. Asks his mother not to follow through with her plan to move to New Orleans and wait for his return. Says he has had conversations with General Haskell and is planning to run for the Tennessee legislature when he gets back as well as studying law. Notes he is encamped in Camargo with 3,000 others, while General Taylor left for Monterey with 7,000 troops. Will probably remain to defend the city against attack from Mexican General Canales.
-
Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1847 February
Letter written by Wiley Pope Hale of the 2nd Tennessee Regiment, at the ruins of Convent St. Malibran, 1 1/2 miles from Vera Cruz, Mexico, to Harriet A. Hale, New Orleans, Louisiana, dated February 18, 1847.
The letter reads:
[page1]
Ruins of Convent St. Malibran one & half miles from Vera Cruz, Mexico
Feby 18th 1847-
Dear Mother-
I am still in the land of the living! I have secarcily time to write you any thing so busy are we engaged now in the siege of this city. You must then excuse me if I give you some of the particulars of the fight so far, in a very brief style – We arrived here with 10,000 men from Tampico on the 7th [7 written over 5] inst. On the morning of the 9th we effected a landing on the beach about 2 miles south of the city. The whole force then encamped immediately on the sea shore where we landed. Just before day-break on the next morning our picket guard was attacked by an advanced party of the enemy, and a brisk skirmish kept up untill nearly daylight. At 9 o.clock we took up our line of march to invest and surround the city. The two Tennessee regiments were in the advance- About 2. o.clock we reached the old ruins of St. Malibran which we took possession of- hardly had this been done before the Mexicans opened a heavy fire of Musketry upon us from the neighbouring heights- The fire was kept [page 2] up for several minutes, when Genl Pillow sent the first Regt Tennesseans (Col. Campbell’s) to capture a magazine about ½ mile distant which was done in handsome style- The General then ordered the glorious 2nd Regt. (Col. Haskell’s) to charge the heights and drive in the force which was firing upon us- We gave a shout and commenced the charge amidst a shower of bullets which fell around us like hail- You should have seen our boys as they rushed up that hill with our continual shout of defiance- though the hill side was covered with an almost impenetrable chapparal (thicket-of bushes) we gained the summit of the height in less than 15 minutes- The Mexicans who had been firing upon us from the height, fled precipitously upon our approach- We gave them a parting fire as they ran down the hill towards the city which was in full view- planted our flags- and gave three cheers for Tennessee & Col. Haskell! Our shouts must have been distinctly heard from the walls of the city- for as the echo died away, a heavy discharge of cannon was poured into us from several forts, which we did not by any means take as a compliment but gave three more shouts as a token of our defiance- It was now nearly sun down and we encamped upon the hill [page 3] although the cannon balls fell around us untill nearly dark – We killed & wounded several of the Mexicans and up to this day have not lost a man from this Regiment. The next morning (the 11th) several other Regiments came up the height, when the cannons again opened their deadly fire upon us- The Rifles (the Regiment to which Tom Ewell belongs) came up then & had one man struck dead by a cannon ball- on the same day a poor little drummer boy had his arm taken off with in ten feet of me- I was blind for several minutes from the sand which the ball threw in my eyes- The forts then commenced throwing bomb shells which exploded around without doing any dammage untill about 2 o.c. when Capt. Albertis of the regulars had his head shot off- the same shot also taking off the leg of a corporal who was standing near the Capt. The cannonading has been continued from the enemy forts every day since- We have kept possession of hill, sleeping every night upon the sand without tents- and having a shower of rain upon us every night. I regret to say that Capt. Jones accidentally shot himself through the foot, a few days since- the wound, however, is not [page 4] dangerous- he is doing very well- our Regiment was moved from the hill this morning, and have taken a position near an old convent situated upon the Rail Road immediately before the gates of the city- The cannonading is still going on as I am writing- We have become used to it now- It is really a pretty sight to see the bomb shells wending their deadly way through the air upon their message of destruction! Our army now entirely surrounds the city in a few days more we will open our cannon upon their very walls, and Vera Cruz will either be ours or destroyed- The whole American loss so far has only been six killed and fourteen wounded- The loss of the Mexicans has been much greater- Genl Morellos commands the city, and Genl. La Vega the castle- From the view which I now have of Vera Cruz, it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen. It seems to be built of churches and other splendid public buildings- so many are the spires and cupolas which is presented to the observer from without the walls- The castle of San Juan [page 5] D’ullua is a magnificent work- with a spy glass we can see the men in the castle working the cannon- (There goes another cannon at us!) These rascally Mexicans keep such a noise with their artillery that I scarcely know what I am writing – however we will pay them back in the same coin soon- The north wind at sea for the last five days has prevented us from landing our large cannon but it is now becoming more calm, and we have succeeded in landing some to day- I think we will be ready by day after tomorrow to open up the city- Then the fun will be upon our side- I will write you by every chance I get- I want you to look for the “Memphis Enquirer”. Mr. Irvine who is here and is one of the editors of that paper told me a few days since that he had written a very complimentary account of our charge upon the heights in which I am spoken of in a very complimentary manner- I hope in a few days [page 6] to have the opportunity of doing something more- Genl. Pillow has also spoken very highly of Col. Haskell & his officers in his report to Genl. Scott-
I wrote to Sal upon the first day of the fight and once upon our arrival off the city in the fleet-
Give her my best love- My respects to Mr. Keatts Tom & Sam Henderson Ed Johnson and Jo Jenkins
Maj. Bennett who travelled with you & Sal down the Mississippi desires to be remembered to you both- no more now- God bless you dear mother
Your affectionate Son
Wiley
Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.
