“Copy Letter 13”. Dated “San Diego, 5 June 1848.” 2 pp., in ink, on light blue paper, 12.5 x 8”. Exhibits chipping at the extremities, and light fold marks. Else VG and entirely legible.  General James Bankhead was one of prominent American commanders of the Mexican War, credited with playing a critical role in the reduction of Vera Cruz. In this letter, written from San Diego, he writes naval Commodore Perry concerning a naval artillery battery due to proceed to Vera Cruz, and also about his son, “Passed Midshipman” John Bankhead, then serving on his staff. Text: [page 1]:

“My Dear Commodore….I shall tomorrow order the Navy Battery to Proceed to Vera Cruz and report to you.

I have much pleasure to report to you that the officers and men of this Battery have conducted themselves in a manner to meet the highest Commendations. They have given an example for all others near them of strict discipline  nd subordination, and had an opportunity offered to have been engaged in battle, they would have given the best evidence of that preparation which their devotion to the serviced they were engaged in could alone have enabled them to acquire in the brief space of their service with the army.

I would ask of you that those officers should, on account of the usnusal service they have been engaged in, be ordered to report to the Navy Department at Washington, or, if not entitled to an order, that they permission to report to the Department.

Commodore Perry/ Com’g Squadron

[page 2]

Department/ My Son Passed Midshipman Bankhead, now in my staff, will remain with me until I leave this place, when he will be ordered to report to you, unless you should think proper to grant to him the favor I have asked for each of the other officers.

I am, my dear Commodore, Most Truly, yours/ [signed] Jas Bankhead”/////docketing endorsement: “Genl. Bankhead, letters to Com. Perry Concerning Naval Battry joining with the army”.

Solid collectible, involved two notable military and naval figures of the Mexican War era. In protective sleeve.  [jp]

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