MEXICAN WAR – FIVE PAGE DETAILED LETTER WITH CONTENT – SALTILLO MEXICO 1847

Item Details

Five page pen manuscript letter, each page 8 x 10, from W.W. Tuley to John Milton Worrall, New Albany Indiana. Very detailed letter concerning the Mexican War.
William Woodruff Tuley,(1825-1902); was born 23 Nov 1825; served in the Mexican War ,Co. A, Indiana Volunteers. Served in the Civil War, 01 Jul 1861,7th Indiana Major, as Colonel 23 Sep 1861 and resigned Sep 1862. Died 25 Jul 1902, New Albany Township, Floyd, Indiana, United States.
Letter:

Saltillo Mexico, Jany 10th 1847.

Mr. John Milton Worrall

Sir,

You see by the beginning of my letter that I return you the same cold courtesy you sent me. Instead of 'My dear Bill' or "Fellow' my eye meets 'Mr. Wm. W. Tuley; Sir'. Well John, the days and hours spent by us together ought to, at least give us license of address, more liberal than this. So I begin anew and will have my commencement instead of that above;

My Dear John.

When amid the peaceful groves of 'Belknap' I thought to while away an hour in writing to you, not knowing indeed whether the imperfect lines of your unworthy servant would be acceptable or not; but one thing I did assuredly expect in return, and I am happy to inform you I am not disappointed;  - to wit; An Answer. And it could not have come at a more seasonable period, for I was worn down by the fatigue of a twelve days journey, and truly indeed something from the 'land of cakes', to resuscitate me. You have no idea of the fatigue endured by moving troops, especially when they are compelled to sling on a huge knapsack weighing eighteen, or twenty pounds. And who is he that would dare give out and say I can go no farther? even though the toes be as red as a tomato, and the heels well o'erlaid with blisters; I tell you 'tis hard to say 'go on without me' yea! even worse than marching with sore feet.

But enough of this; I only say that there were few that did not come on all the way, and now the 2nd and 3d Regiments Indiana Volunteers, are at this post in garrison and in all their former glory. John, I had not the most distant, correct idea of Mexico, or the scenery along its plains; but now I am prepared to tell of the country and its attributes, to speak of the people themselves, and give a 'wee touch' of their language.

Upon the banks of the Rio Grande from Matamoras to Camargo lie as pretty and as good land as the world can produce. Cotton grows upon it without cultivation, and cane of excellent quality is grown on many plantations. After we left Camargo the country became uneven and rolling, having small pebbles of every color scattered thickly over the ground. Many clear, cold streams run through the country and afford plenty of good water to a moving squadron. Mier, of some notoriety, is a place of beauty and cleanliness. The houses are of stone, and two large Catholic cathedrals rear their lofty cupolas high above the residences. Every Mexican town, or city has its 'Plaza' and many, more than one. That at Mier is well flanked by square topped houses, (whoever saw a Mexican house of any size that was not square topped), generally occupied by men of business. The streets were paved by the 'Mier prisoners'. Think not that there are farms and gardens around the city; far from it. Nothing but barren, rocky hills present themselves on every side. Just think of it; a place as large as New Albany, situated amid a barren waste, a perfect wilderness. All their articles of merchandise are imported on pack mules. Seralvo, is the most romantic place I ever was in, and boasts of a church an hundred and sixty six years old, built by the Spaniards. I would describe some of its peculiarities had I not seen those of Monterey, and Saltillo (pronounced Salteo). Several beautiful springs of water flow across the streets, and many a cascade is seen in the gardens of the rich. Bridges, arches, are very common in Seralvo. Part of the Ohio Brigade of Volunteers are stationed there. One evening we found ourselves at the Walnut Springs, four miles from Monterey, at camp Taylor, tired almost to death - for we travelled twenty five miles that day. Near the Springs is a small spot of ground enclosed by a white stone fence. There repose the remains of many officers who fell at the 'three days onset', of the 21st, 22nd & 23d of September, also those of Brig. Gen. Hamer of Ohio who died at Monterey. I cannot tell you why the Springs are called Walnut, for I did not see a walnut tree within a hundred miles of the place. I went in company with Mr. James H. [..?..] of the Louisville Legion, all over the City and had the pleasure of viewing the different points of attack, the forts, barricades &c. Of all these things, the Bishops Palace, and the black fort I shall not say, but will wait a more suitable time for communication.

After leaving Monterey, we clambered over mountain passes, deep dells, long ravines, and the devil knows what all, encountering the thorns of the shrubbery at almost every step. Well, at the expiration of four days we 'hove to', six miles from Saltillo, and we were just in time to see the Louisville Legion start back for Monterey. We staid out of town twelve days and this evening the Regiment is moving in to the city. The church at Saltillo in richness, and size is said to surpass every other in the country except that at the City of Mexico. To attempt to describe it would be folly in me, therefore I shall dismiss the cathedral, (which is now within twenty yards of me) until I can tell you of its beauties verbally.

Know you Sir; that I am now acting as Clerk to Major A. S. Morrison, Commissary of Subsistence for the Indiana Brigade of Volunteers, and thus you find me in the City, while the company to which I belong has not come in yet (but we expect them every minute). We have good quarters here, but much duty to perform.  

There are of troops here now about four thousand.
Viz.

Gen. Wool's command. Dragoons & Infantry
 "      Lane's      "             2 Regiments 2nd & 3d.
2 Co's Artillery     "          regulars.

Tis said there are about five thousand Mexicans near the city now, awaiting a favorable time to attack us. Well, if they come they will find us ready for them. [..?..] of [..?..] is out at the pass, ten miles distant, with his Co. John W. Johnson is in the city, but I have not seen him. Some of the boys saw him since I received your letter and told him the news of importance contained therein.

Now John, as to Miss Wible, and her good wishes, and my misspent time, I have this much to say. First; that I never endeavoured to gain the affections of the aforesaid Lady. Second; that I never considered them worth gaining. The lady has my best wishes for her future happiness, but none of my love. As yet thank God I am free, yea! free as the Air!

As to the other ladies mentioned by you, you may say, to myself they will always be friends, and sincerely do I wish them Happiness, Prosperity, and suitable matrimonial attachments.

Give Old Rodin my best, best wishes and Amos, the old coon, the same.

Remember me to Mrs. J. B. [..?..], R. S. Butler, A. B., J. R. Shields and all enquiring friends, but few girls, for God's sake! Please let my Bro. Leo know you rec'd this. Warren sends his best.

Long life to Old 'Calliope"

I remain Yours; with many considerations of respect A Volunteer in the Service of the United States of America, & ever faithful Friend,

Wm. W. Tuley.
P. S.
Do not criticise, for I did not over look it.   

First four pages are 8x10 each, (bifold, opens to 10 x 16); last page (pg 5), which also served as the stampless cover, is one sheet. That page has old tape, though probably not scotch tape as there isn’t any acid burning, however the tape itself is toned. The words are still legible.