Mexican-American War-dated LS signed “J. P. Taylor,” one page, 8 x 12.25, February 12, 1847. Letter to Maj. Gen. Zachary Taylor from Col. J. P. Taylor. In full: “I deem it my duty to make it known to you the following information just received from a quarter entitled to credit and whose name is, for the present, suppressed for reasons you can well imagine—He states that on yesterday, a letter was rec’d by Manchaca, the political judge of this place, from Governor Hernandez, the Governor of this province, informing him that he was coming to Victoria, accompanied by all the civil officers of the State, to reestablish courts, at that place. That Gen. Urea, with some 6000 cavalry w’d accompany him; that, after reestablishing law and order at Victoria, Urea would be reinforced by some 700 regular troops, under the command of several partizan leaders and attempt to cut off our line of communication, both by land and water to Monterey and would attack Matamoros & other depots. In the meantime Gen’l Minon is to keep Gen. Taylor on the qui vive until Gen’l Santa Ana can reinforce him in person with a large force, when an effort would be made to drive the American Army from Saltillo & Monterey & should they succeed, then Gen’l Urea, with his entire force, including all the Rancheros that can be mustered, in to intercept the American Army & cut off their retreat to the Rio Grande.” Intersecting folds, and scattered creasing and soiling, otherwise very good condition. This warning allowed Taylor to withdraw from Saltillo into Buena Vista and plan his defense. Santa Anna arrived ten days later and fighting began, which spawned Taylor’s famous order to Captain Bragg, "Double-shot your guns and give them hell, Bragg.” The Battle of Buena Vista was Taylor’s greatest victory of the war and became the centerpiece of his successful 1848 presidential campaign. RRAuction COA.
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