Mexican-American War–dated partly-printed vellum DS as president, one page, 16 x 9.75, November 25, 1848. President Polk issues a “Certificate of Merit” to “Charles Hayes of Company F of the 2d Regiment of Dragoons having distinguished himself in the service of the United States, on the eighteenth day of April, 1847, in the Battle of Cerro Gordo on the recommendation of Colonel W. S. Harney…I do hereby award to the said Private Charles Hayes this Certificate of Merit.” Boldly signed at the conclusion by Polk and countersigned by Secretary of War William L. Marcy. In fine condition, with expected document wear. The ‘Certificate of Merit’ was established to allow the president to recognize the individual contributions of soldiers during the Mexican-American War, which also granted them a pay raise of two dollars per month. Only 545 of these were ever issued, and the award was discontinued after the war. On April 18, 1847, US troops encountered General Santa Anna’s army at Cerro Gordo, where he had prepared fortifications. William S. Harney led his troops—Hayes included—up a hill known as El Telegrafo, a position controlled by Santa Anna and key possession in the territory. With support from Bennett C. Riley’s troops, the United States easily took the hill and won the battle in decisive fashion, clearing the way for the American advance to Mexico City. An exceptional, clean document with direct association to one of the most important battles of the Mexican-American War. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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