Letter to James Jackson, 1846 September 22
Item — Box: 1, Folder: 6
Letter to James Jackson, 1846 September 22
Written on board the ship James L. Day. Letter regards travel to Point Isabel, Texas and general news about the Mexican War.
Dates
- 1846 September 22
Extent
From the Sub-Series: 10 items
Transcription
On Board the James L. Day
September 22d 1846
Dear Uncle
I have often thought of writing to you but have deferred it until the present which is the latest news which I will be able of give you previous to leaving the United States. I found after arriving at Fort Columbus that Capt Taylor had left that post from that place. I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where he had taken up his quarters. Leaving there about ten days afterward, I traveled by land about 410 miles to Pittsburgh at which place I embarked on board the steam boat Suatara which conveyed me to Cincinnati. From that city I came to New Orleans on board the steamer Hendrik Hudson. I have just left New Orleans Barracks and am now being transported to Point Isabell which I expect to reach in about 2 or 3 days. I am at present with Captain Taylor (who is a Virginian and a very fine man) 27 men and 84 horses. The principal part of the company is in Mexico at present. I belong to a company of light Artillery which is frequently called flying artillery. In an action if all the officers of the company should be well I will have to carry dispatches being unfortunately too low to have a command. It is possible that before this time General Taylor has had another battle. If he has not already had one it is thought by men of experience that he will have before entering Monterey.
I sent uncle a few days since tell him if it is not there it to Clarksburg and tell (the merchant) that I wish him to give for it. It will be more to him than. (Note: the sentence contains several words that have been blacked out with ink, thus making the full meaning difficult to determine)
The weather here is more pleasant than it was in the north before I left there. The city of New Orleans is very healthy and there is no yellow fever in it at present. I am enjoying comparatively good health at present and I do not believe that I have the liver complaint but am under the impression that the disease is neuralgic.
Give my respects to my friends including your family of course and write to me as soon as you [can] ascertain where to direct your letter.
T. J. Jackson
P.S. I have arrived in sight of Point Isabel Texas and am now at anchor in a strong gale. The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday. The intelligence was by letter from Col. Whiting. I expect soon to start up the Rio Grande by steam for the purpose of joining the main body of the army as soon as possible.
TJJ
September 22d 1846
Dear Uncle
I have often thought of writing to you but have deferred it until the present which is the latest news which I will be able of give you previous to leaving the United States. I found after arriving at Fort Columbus that Capt Taylor had left that post from that place. I proceeded to Fort Hamilton where he had taken up his quarters. Leaving there about ten days afterward, I traveled by land about 410 miles to Pittsburgh at which place I embarked on board the steam boat Suatara which conveyed me to Cincinnati. From that city I came to New Orleans on board the steamer Hendrik Hudson. I have just left New Orleans Barracks and am now being transported to Point Isabell which I expect to reach in about 2 or 3 days. I am at present with Captain Taylor (who is a Virginian and a very fine man) 27 men and 84 horses. The principal part of the company is in Mexico at present. I belong to a company of light Artillery which is frequently called flying artillery. In an action if all the officers of the company should be well I will have to carry dispatches being unfortunately too low to have a command. It is possible that before this time General Taylor has had another battle. If he has not already had one it is thought by men of experience that he will have before entering Monterey.
I sent uncle a few days since tell him if it is not there it to Clarksburg and tell (the merchant) that I wish him to give for it. It will be more to him than. (Note: the sentence contains several words that have been blacked out with ink, thus making the full meaning difficult to determine)
The weather here is more pleasant than it was in the north before I left there. The city of New Orleans is very healthy and there is no yellow fever in it at present. I am enjoying comparatively good health at present and I do not believe that I have the liver complaint but am under the impression that the disease is neuralgic.
Give my respects to my friends including your family of course and write to me as soon as you [can] ascertain where to direct your letter.
T. J. Jackson
P.S. I have arrived in sight of Point Isabel Texas and am now at anchor in a strong gale. The news came aboard yesterday that General Taylor would be ready for a battle on yesterday. The intelligence was by letter from Col. Whiting. I expect soon to start up the Rio Grande by steam for the purpose of joining the main body of the army as soon as possible.
TJJ
Repository Details
Part of the Virginia Military Institute Archives Repository
