The Steven M. Karbo Collection of Mexican War Postal History
| Lot |
Sym. |
Lot Description |
Est/Cat |
Realized |
| 2043 |
|
The Steven M. Karbo Collection of Mexican War Postal History and
Letters. 85 folded covers and letters expertly presented on exhibit
pages with extensive write-up and transcription, a complete history of the
U.S.-Mexican War with emphasis on postal markings and significant letter
content, begins with pre-war letters from military forts in Louisiana with
mention of annexation and "Pres. Tyler's army of observation", an
1845 letter from Texas senator notes "Santa anna is down and we are in
fine spirits", a significant letter from Col. Joseph K. F. Mansfield
(later Maj. Gen.) datelined "Camp Opposite Matamoros 1 May 1846", to
his wife with lengthy discussion of military events including assessment of
enemy's strength, recent casualties and "Genl Taylor was going today to
open his batteries on the city but I pointed out the invisibility of the
destruction of the city & advised him by all means to march out & give
battle if he could find them, if not to march in Isabelle his Depot which
in my opinion he will reach without a battle", a Jul. 26, 1845 letter
from Fort Jessup describes troop movement into Texas, a Sep. 28, 1846
letter signed by Maj. Gen. John E. Wool, Sep. 25, 1847 autograph letter
signed by William Belknap, Mar. 30, 1848 autograph letter signed by
Nathaniel Lyon, numerous letters with references to troop movements and
engagements with Mexican army, some naval correspondence to and from
Pensacola Fla., fall of Vera Cruz described on the day of occupation, also
includes prints of famous military leaders and some additional unmounted
correspondence, many of the covers have scarce postal markings incl. "Pt.
Isabel" straightline with shadow letters, "Vera Cruz" framed and unframed
and military fort markings, in total, this is a formidable collection of a
fascinating chapter of American history, in which many participants learned
the skills of warfare that would later be used against each other in the
Civil War |
E. 10,000-15,000 |
18,000.00 |
| 2044 |
 |
The Mexican War Correspondence of Dr. Grayson M. Prevost, 1846-48.
Approximately 90 letters (more than 450 pages), many with postmarked
covers, from Dr. Prevost, a young army surgeon, to his family in
Philadelphia, lengthy and detailed content from a very articulate observer,
a virtual chronicle of Prevost's service in General Taylor's army in
northern Mexico during the war, several scarce postal markings including a
"BRAOZS/JAN. 11" spelling error, most letters clear and legible,
overall in excellent condition, an outstanding correspondence acquired 15
years ago from David G. Phillips |
E. 10,000-15,000 |
12,000.00 |
| 2045 |
|
Correspondence of Commodore Samuel Lockwood U.S.N. Approximately 80
folded letters and/or covers with postal markings, written between Lockwood
and his family in New Bedford Mass., many written aboard ship with detailed
content re visits to France, Turkey, Chile, Sweden, Gibraltar and Ecuador,
mention of cholera and attempted revolutions, condition is generally
excellent, a fascinating archive from this well-known naval figure |
E. 1,000-1,500 |
1,400.00 |
| 2046 |
|
Account of the Surrender of Vera Cruz. 8pp letter from Charles P.
Stone to his brother, datelined "Camp Washington Before Vera Cruz, March
27th 1847", a remarkably detailed account of the siege and surrender of
Vera Cruz, a virtual day-by-day description of attacks under General
Scott's command, culminating in the surrender of the city, toward the end
the writer reveals some anti-war sentiment -- "why should we demolish
this beautiful city! why should we break up hundreds of homes & destroy the
lives of harmless children--I cannot see--How much Mr. Polk has to answer
for--He has committed injustice here, and to carry out one injustice has
been obliged to commit many minor ones" -- a fascinating letter from an
eyewitness to and participant in this historic event |
E. 400-500 |
800.00 |
| 2048 |
|
 Jefferson Davis. One-page
autograph letter signed (in blue) as Colonel in command of 1st Mississippi
Volunteers in Mexican War, datelined "Camp at New Orleans, 22nd July
1846" to ordnance officer in Baton Rouge, with address leaf also in
Davis's hand ("Steam" and "10" rate handstamps), letter requests percussion
rifles to be sent to Point Isabel, Very Fine, a desirable Mexican War
letter from Jefferson Davis (Image) |
E. 2,000-3,000 |
2,100.00 |
| 2049 |
|
Matthew Calbraith Perry. One-page letter signed by Commodore Perry
as second in command of U.S.S. Mississippi, to Capt. George R.
Lambert, datelined "U.S. Steamer Mississippi, Anton Lizardo Decr. 9th
46" on separate cut-out paper, letter states (in part) "I have this
moment been informed by Lieut. Comd. Semmes of the disastrous fate of the
U.S. Brig Somers, and the loss of two of her officers and a large number of
her crew, and of the daring efforts made by the officers and men under your
command, to save the lives of the unfortunates... The gallant rivalry
displayed by the boats of the different flags affords a gratifying proof
that sailors of whatever nation while disregarding their own safety, will
dare everything to save the lives of others." lightened mucilage stains
but readable and otherwise in good condition |
E. 500-750 |
850.00 |
| 2050 |
|
Matthew Calbraith Perry. One-page letter signed as commander of U.S.
Naval Forces in Gulf of Mexico, datelined "Flag Ship Mississippi off
Vera Cruz Mch 24 1847", giving orders to an officer to report for duty,
in excellent condition |
E. 400-500 |
625.00 |
| 2051 |
|
 J. K. Polk. Free frank
"Free J. K. Polk" on cover addressed to"Brevet Maj. Gen'l Thomas
S. Jesup, Army of the United States in Mexico", largely intact red wax
seal on back, horizontal file fold at top just below free frank, some
edgewear, still Very Fine, scarce usage
(Image) |
E. 750-1,000 |
1,100.00 |
| 2052 |
|
Zachary Taylor. 1-1/4pp letter signed as general in the Mexican War,
datelined "Head Quarters Army of Occupation, Camp near Matamoros, April
3rd, 1846" to J. P. Henderson, Governor of Texas, at Austin, informing
him (in part): "The Army under my orders reached its present position on
the left bank of the Rio Grande direct opposite Matamoros on the 28th ults.
having previously secured its depot at Point Isabel. We met with no actual
resistance from the Mexican forces, through their attitude is so far
hostile. A considerable body of troops is collected in Matamoros and a
reinforcement said to be expected under General Ampudia. I am now engaged
in strengthening my position and shall defend it at all hazards. From the
indications which reach me however, I cannot believe that the Mexicans will
attempt any offensive operations." Split and rejoined along vertical
fold, otherwise in excellent condition, a desirable war-time Taylor letter |
E. 1,500-2,000 |
3,250.00 |
| 2053 |
|
Zachary Taylor. Bold signature as general in the Mexican War on Apr.
25, 1847 part-printed Safe-Guard Pass document with
counter-signature but not filled in with name of the safe-guarded person,
excerpt from Rules and Articles of War at bottom "Art. 55.
Whosoever, belonging to the Armies of the United States, employed in
foreign parts, shall force a Safe-guard, shall suffer death", unusual
document with Taylor's signature |
E. 750-1,000 |
900.00 |
| 2054 |
|
Orders No. 12 -- Taylor Congratulates His Army on the Victory at Buena
Vista. Autograph letter signed by W. W. F. Bliss, Asst. Adj. Gen.,
datelined "Hd. 2nd Army of Occupation, Buena Vista, Feby 26th 1847"
with full message of congratulations from General Zachary Taylor to his
officers and men, excellent condition |
E. 400-500 |
325.00 |