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Treaty of peace rumored to be imminent. It is thought that U.S. will leave 10,000 troops in Mexico for several years to suppress guerillas. Mexicans believe that a revolution may be brewing in the U.S., which would be favorable to Mexican interests.

Non-Commissioned Officer in Company D, Voltigeurs.Writes of being at the front lines of battles"I am no Coward and I have seen a great deal of fighting but I can assure you it makes a person feel mighty ticklish when the balls come whistling and singing about your Ears, to see your comrades shot down by your side, horse without Riders, Men without legs or Arms lying about."Becoming adjusted to seeing death, having lost 45 men out of a company of 99 before taking Mexico City.Constant guerrilla warfare and General Winfield Scott (1786-1866) having the Army march through the countryside regardless, taking them fifteen days to march between Vera Cruz and Jalapa.Describes the Battle of Cerro Gordo, the initial "execution" while they could not fire on the Mexican position, and their eventual triumph."… the balls rained on us, but they could not stop us, they were fighting against American Soldiers, at sun down the American flag floated from the heights of Cerro Gordo."Promoted to sergeant and acts as interpreter; currently stationed at the Bishop’s Palace in Tacubaya, which he describes.Comments on never harming Mexican citizens and the expectation of peace."…they want peace, if our government will only sign the treaty. if they do I will be home by next October ready to vote for the Democratic Candidate for President."Sends regards to friends and family, joking that he will bring home "a live Mexican" if Laura would like "a Copper coloured Beau."Sent to Joseph Hisky, "Piano Forte Maker" in Baltimore, Maryland.

Praises the commander of his regiment, Albert C. Ramsey, and his lieutenant, Thomas Franklin McCoy.

Description of "illumination… in honor of the recent victories gained at Mexico" held at Independence Hall, including a "transparent painting" of Washington and candle-lit windows. Transparencies of General Zachary Taylor and battles of the Mexican-American war on other public buildings.Business in taking and selling daguerreotypes is doing well.Family news.

End of Guerrilla warfare; "we are as much at peace, as we would be if we were in the United States."

John Burke of Company F of the 6th Regiment of Infantry is experiencing destitution and requests assistance to return to his regiment after having been separated at New Orleans while en route from "Florida to Jefferson Barracks." Had served over two years, mostly in the commissariat department, and requests they write to the U.S. consul to secure his return. Had previously "purchased my discharge from the British Army (in which I served as serjeant Major for upwards of six years)." Includes dockets on verso regarding Burke's service, "enlisted 19th Septr 1839, and Deserted 3rd March 1842, from the Transport N.W. Stephens, off New Orleans."

Rumors of peace; discussion of casualties.

Original located in the Dalton collection

Opinion regarding validity of particular military commissions.

Depositions in litigation involving shipment of merchandise to New Orleans and Vera Cruz. [In French]

News of fellow veterans of the 15th Infantry, including one who is despondent over failed romance, and one who has committed suicide. McNulty has married a woman from Kentucky and is working as a printer.