MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR – WILLIAMS, Thomas (1815-1862). Autograph letter signed (''Tom''), to his father, ''Head Quarters of the Army,'' Xalapa, 21 April 1847.

MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR – WILLIAMS, Thomas (1815-1862). Autograph letter signed ("Tom"), to his father, "Head Quarters of the Army," Xalapa, 21 April 1847.

Four pages, 310 x 216mm, on the official stationery of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, headed "EJERCITO LIBERTADOR Republicano GRAL. EN GEFE Sria de Campana" at top left (marginal wear, scattered toning, some ink erosion to a heavy line).

A vivid eyewitness account of the Battle of Cero Gordo, written by Scott's aide de camp, on stationery abandoned by Santa Ana during his retreat. A detailed letter describing the U.S. victory over Santa Ana's Mexican forces, who, on 18 April, had entrenched themselves against Scott's army of 9,000 above the narrow pass of Cero Gordo. Scott's victory was so complete, that Santa Ana was forced to abandon his carriage, "with his cork leg papers toilette case, wardrobe & his luncheon", the latter of which Williams enjoyed "vastly." On the final page, Williams sketched a map of the day's action, offering further detail and concluding that "Never was there anything more beautiful in its progress & results than the battle of Cerro Gordo. I got a graze but it was only a bruise – no blood."

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A GENTLEMAN