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    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

    Identifier

    sc.0024.001_006.001

    Date

    1846 October 3

    Subjects

    Hale, Wiley Pope, 1821-1847.

    Wiley Pope Hale letter, 1846 October

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