War-dated LS signed “Frank. Pierce, Brig. Gen'l U.S.A.,” one page, 7.75 x 9.75, January 18, 1848. Letter to "The Adjutant General, U.S. Army," written from Washington following his return from the ongoing Mexican-American War. In full: "Having reported at the War Department, pursuant to instructions from the Commander-in-Chief, I desire leave of absence for a period of ninety days." In fine condition.
Pierce left his native New Hampshire for Mexico in the spring of 1847 to take command of a brigade of reinforcements for General Winfield Scott's army. Pierce reached the American-held port of Veracruz in late June, and began the perilous journey inland to join Scott's forces, arriving in time to take part in the Battle of Contreras in August. Although his men won the fight, it was disastrous for Pierce—his horse, suddenly startled during a charge, tripped into a crevice and pinned him underneath, leaving him with a debilitating knee injury. The incident made it appear as though he fainted, and some of his soldiers believed him to be a coward. Pierce recovered to take part in the capture of Mexico City, and he was hailed as a war hero upon his return to Concord in December 1847. Though he here asks for ninety days' leave, he would soon submit his resignation from the Army, which was approved on March 20, 1848.
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