[Autograph letter, signed, from a sailor to his wife during the Mexican-American War] by [MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR] - 1847

1847. 4pp. Quarto, on a folded folio sheet. Old fold lines. Central fold, running the horizontal length of the sheet, reinforced with tape. Minor soiling, else fine. A very affectionate letter from a sailor to his wife back home, full of pining declarations of love and devotion. The sailor, Gregory, notes that he is safe and likely to stay that way, as they are at a good anchorage and the coast has been entirely secured. He indicates that she should direct her letters both to Vera Cruz and Pensacola, and that either way they will surely find him with the Gulf Squadron. He also mentions a possible posting to the Naval Observatory, which would bring him home to his dearest Jenny. "The frigates 'Potomac' & 'Raritan' have both sailed for home some days ago, but we had no opportunity of writing by them, as the former sailed from Sacrificios & the latter from Tobasco. You will doubtless have heard long ere you receive this all about the taking of Tobasco. The whole coast is now in our possession and there remains not the slightest chance of any more fighting for the squadron. I must not omit to mention, my sweet little wife, the Gibbon, Edwards, Kennard & myself have received an answer from Mr. Maury respecting our application for the Observatory. He says he is very anxious to have us all back again, and that he would that day (22d of April) go to see the Honl. Secretary and try to get us ordered; but he said he had but faint hopes of success, for it was known at the same time, at the Dept., that we were very short of officers in this squadron.