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Manuscript DS, signed “Z. Taylor Bt. Br. Genl., U.S.A. Comdg.,” one page, 15.5 x 9.75, January 1, 1846. Document headed "Field Return of the United States Troops stationed at Corpus Christi, Texas, under command of Brigr. Genl. Z. Taylor, for the Month of December 1845," enumerating the "General Staff," "Field Artillery," "2nd Dragoons," "1st Brigade—Artillery, 8th Infantry," "2nd Brigade—5th Infantry, 7th Infantry," and "3rd Brigade—3rd Infantry, 4th Infantry." Boldly signed at the conclusion in ink by Zachary Taylor as commander of the "Army of Occupation," which amounted to some 327 officers and 3,420 men. In fine condition, with light toning along the folds.
In 1845–1846, Zachary Taylor was tasked with commanding the newly formed Army of Occupation, a force created in response to rising tensions between the United States and Mexico following the U.S. annexation of Texas. In the summer of 1845, President James K. Polk ordered Taylor to move his troops into southern Texas to assert the U.S. claim that the Rio Grande—rather than the Nueces River—was the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Taylor established his headquarters at Corpus Christi, where he spent months drilling, organizing, and supplying a largely inexperienced army while carefully avoiding direct provocation. His role during this period was as much diplomatic as military: he was meant to show American resolve without triggering open war.
In early 1846, Polk ordered Taylor to advance south toward the Rio Grande, where he worked to fortify his position and prepare for combat. In April 1846, Mexican troops attacked an American patrol north of the Rio Grande, an incident Polk used to declare that Mexico had 'shed American blood upon American soil.' By May, Taylor was fully engaged in active operations, winning early battles at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, marking the transition from preparation to open warfare in the Mexican–American War.
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