[MEXICAN WAR] Tragic Mexican War Archive

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Day 1: Historic & Early Americana

By Fleischer's Auctions

Apr 24, 2026

Set Reminder 2026-04-24 09:00:00 2026-04-24 09:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Day 1: Historic & Early Americana https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/fleischers-auctions/day-1-historic-early-americana-20869
Day one of Fleischer's 2026 Spring premier auction includes early American artifacts, documents, signatures, ephemera, and weaponry. Rare material relating to African American history is featured, as well as fine examples of antique photography. Fleischer's Auctions info@fleischersauctions.com

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• Lot Description

  …Supposing you would like to hear from the Halls of Montezuma…

   

  A remarkable archive of eleven (11) documents from the Mexican War recording the heroic and ultimately tragic journey of Alexander Stanton Forbes (1819-1848), who traveled from New York City to Mexico City to retrieve the bodies of fallen New York Officers. After receiving his orders, he traveled from New York City to New Orleans and then on to Vera Cruz and ultimately Mexico City. In his detailed and eloquent letters home, he expounds upon the war, the battlefields, the regiments, and their leaders. Though successful, he would succumb to yellow fever on his return journey. The archive includes the original manuscript orders given to Forbes by the New York City Common Council, Forbes’s commission in the Baxter Blues, a manuscript presentation of a sword by Forbes to Captain Helme, and eight (8) lengthy letters written by Forbes to either his brother George or his wife Sarah. A complete list of documents is included below.

   

   Alexander Stanton Forbes (1819-1848) was the son of a Scottish immigrant (Bulloch, ed., p. 126) and a proud New Yorker. Married with a daughter, he may have worked as an engraver (Manhattan New York Directory, 1839-1840, p. 259). He was involved in several militia groups, including the Gulick Guard (see No. 11), the Baxter Blues (see No. 10), and was a Second Lieutenant of the 2nd Regiment of New York Volunteers. It was remarked upon in his eulogy that “not being ordered into service, his desire to serve the country in this capacity was not gratified” (The New York Daily Herald, 13 July 1848), and he sought to undertake the solemn task of retrieving the bodies of several fallen New Yorkers from the front lines of the Mexican-American War. Forbes was deemed extra qualified as he was “a private in the Baxter Blues, and well acquainted with the distinguished officers of the 1st Regiment, whose lives had been the forfeit of their patriotic devotion, he was selected by the Common Council as the agent for bringing their remains to this city.” (Herald, 13 July 1848). 

   

  Included here is a letter signed by Alderman George H. Purser to Forbes, on behalf of the Common Council (a forerunner of the City Council) that outlines his mission: “particularly delegated to procure and bring on to the city the bodies of Col. Baxter and Liut. Chandler” as well as “the relatives of Capt. Burke and Lt. Morris natives of this state.” (ALS by Purser to Forbes, 28 January 1848, p. 1). 

   

  Shortly thereafter, Forbes began his quest, travelling by all manner of conveyances and arriving in New Orleans by mid-February. Throughout his journey, he wrote with regularity to both his wife, Sarah, and his brother George. His letters reveal Forbes to be observant and well-connected, who crafted thoughtful and powerful letters. While in the Crescent City, he remarks on the fascinating culture and social life as well as the many New Yorkers he encountered there en route to the war front. He includes a tale of one of his acquaintances and his defense of the American cause and General Winfield Scott: “One of them (Lt. Henry) unfortunately got into a squabble here the other night like a foolish fellow. It appears he had been out rather late and returning home feeling a little fine, he came in contact with 4 or 5 Blackguards who commenced abusing Genl. Scott. Henry naturally espoused the Cause of his Genl. and they commenced an attack. He severely whipped one and the others went at him with sticks and beat him very badly so as he had to get his eye sewed up after. I felt sorry for him, but he gave as good as they sent and only used his hands, proving to them that N.Y. Stock is generally ready any way tackled.” He also includes a report of a duel between Sergeant Smith Prentiss (1808-1850) and another lawyer, Mr. Irwin. 

   

  While still in New Orleans, he met soldiers returning from Mexico who reported that some of the officers' remains were “shipped for N.York some time ago.” Forbes relates that he “was rather staggered, but upon reflection I determined still to go on, not feeling satisfied, and they finally came to the same conclusion, if after all the trouble I have taken I should be deprived of paying the last tribute of respect to my late gallant Commandant, I will indeed be disappointed. Altho’ I still think I will find him in Vera Cruz.”

   

  
  He arrived in Vera Cruz, Mexico by March 2nd, and quickly set to his mission. Writing to George, he reports his progress: “Tell Geo. Hall his friend in the Custom House Mr. Robinson, has been of great assistance and very attentive to me, he was as much surprised as George was when I arrived and told him I was looking for Capt Pearson’s remains...I am going to the Castle to take measure of the Coffins and have cases made air tight as they one I could not bring them, Col. Baxter’s the Qt. Master is going to have it opened for me and filled with Lime. I am in hopes I can yet preserve him enough to recognize something.” (ALS to George, 2 March 1848).

   

  Referring to his letter from the Common Council, he writes: “The order of Secty Marcy is a passport to all their affections, as there are many others on similar business to mine but with no order and they have trouble enough.” (ALS to George, 2 March 1848).

   

  Writing the same day to his wife, he relates a story of eerie and poignant coincidence: “We did not land here until Sunday, but in the meantime we would pull to the Castle of San Juan [de Ulúa], the formidable Fortress…the last time I visited the castle, I strayed off from the other passengers, and was more amused alone, than with them, having more time, and a better opportunity to judge for myself…It is over or about 100 years old and if it could talk would tell some strange stories no doubt, there was a rather singular circumstance happened to me, in my travels through it, I came to a room and saw a number of Coffins in it, I stood thinking to myself whether it were likely I had ever known any of the poor fellow in them, and it being very unpleasant to smell and besides dark I did not undertake to examine them, and passed thro’ on my walk, when I landed in Vera Cruz, and made enquiry in relation to the Bodies I wanted, which I supposed were in the Church of San Augustin judge of my surprise, that yesterday I traced to the same tower and in the same coffins my late Friends Col. Baxter, Capt. Pearson + Van Olinda That I had been looking at and thinking about some days before.” (ALS to Sarah, 2 March 1848).

   

  Forbes remained in Vera Cruz for the entirety of March, accepting an invitation from the soldiers to live in camp with them, noting, “I like a camp life much better than living at any Hotel in the City Turn in at Tattoo up at Reveille and trot about, I will be a Soldier myself before long.”
   

  He writes vividly of his time, recounting attacks by Guerrillas, incoming troops, their training, and their commanders: “There is about 1200 men here and continually coming when I first came there was only between 5 + 600 they are all detachments of recruits for different Regiments in the Interior and stop here and drill preparatory to going up with the next train. Among them is a Company of Flying Artillery 3 Regt and about 130 Horses the Drill is splendid, they lay all Foot Soldiers in my opinion leapt. Shover who commands is a cracking fine officer and as plain as “old farmer”. He has been thro’ all the other line and battles under Capt. Ridgely until he was killed. The Light Infantry Drill Is very handsome, and if it is something worth looking at about 500 men drilling at one time as Skirmishers it takes up the whole ground and part of the Chaparral the men like it which makes it more interesting, and the movements from common to double quick time, they get at it and go like race Horses in fact the officers get mad to see them apparently enjoy it.”

   

  After joining a search party for Guerrillas who killed two soldiers, Forbes interviewed Captain Jack Taylor of the Baltimore Rangers who told him that “he never interfered with his men as he believed it to be too much trouble to bring the Guerillas in Prisoners and generally let his men practice on them just where he surprises them and unjust as they stand if they had any mustangs or mules or other moveable commodity then he would divide equal with the man or men who took the Guerillas.” (ALS to George, 11 March 1848)

   

  In his letter to his wife Sarah on March 28th, he reports on the arrival of the wagon train from Mexico City: “The one just in was about 12  miles long, consisting of about 1200 horses and mules, mostly attached to waggons +c +c escorted by about 3 or 400 Soldiers, and bringing about 200 or more sick, disabled, and discharged soldiers…Went out about 10 miles to meet them and most say to look at them as they move along is really [ludicrous], you can compare nothing to them, that you ever saw, but the Fantasticals that used to parade in N.Y…all looking now different dresses, colours, shapes, and sizes, this bears and when you remember they having travelled 200 miles equal to 400 of ours of certainly makes them look like people of all nations, coils, and sizes, you can form some idea of a travelling War Train. But when they arrive inside the Gates of the City you then see the other side of the Picture and not as pleasant. The Ambulances and waggons drive up to the Hospitals and commence unloading and then look at the poor fellows. Some with one leg, one arm, a disfigured face. Some on crutches and some on litters, others worn down by dissipation and disease to mere skeletons and more discharged to go back and drag out a miserable existence with perhaps no friend to aid comfort or protect them. The sight is sickening, horrible and would make most any say, NO more War if this is thy reward.” (ALS to Sarah, 28 March 1848)

   

  In the same letter, he received word that he would be leaving with the next wagon train to Mexico City: “Orders have just come in for preparing to march to the city. I have already (while writing this) been offered a command of men and declined for two reasons. One the officer who would be over me, I cannot learn anything from and would have to walk, while I have a fine black horse. I would rather ride in the principal and second reason, we will number about 2000 or more soldiers going up and it would be a fine speculation for the Guerillas to attack but they know better.” (ALS to Sarah, 28 March 1848)

   

  He arrived in Mexico City on April 20th, writing Sarah the next day assuring her of his safe arrival. His final letter home was written from the City on May 6th to his brother George. Covering 8 pages, Forbes goes into wonderful detail of his 24 day journey from Vera Cruz and his experiences with the soldiers. 

   

  He opens, dramatically: “Supposing you would like to hear from the Halls of Montezuma…” 

   

  Continuing with a tale of the last leg of his journey on his mission, he relates his excitement at the prospect of encountering a guerrilla, and the letdown of not engaging in battle. On their way, they visited several battlefields from the late War and Forbes shares his thoughts on several prominent commanders including Texas Ranger John Coffee Hays (1817-1883): “we had all the different grounds to examine where Battles and Skirmishes had made them memorable I was on top of Cerro Gordo and it is a wonderful place and more so when you think of Troops ever charging up it I got tired out climbing up it is almost perpendicular. When we arrived at the Natural Bridge we just missed Santa Anna. He was on his way down. He gave a grand Dinner to the American Officers at his Hacienda at En Cerro, and all he invited attended excepting Col. Jack Hays, who was encamped directly opposite he is a good fellow and Mexicans fear his troop of Texan Rangers, more I believe than they do a young army of Regulars. Cris Lilley is in another just such company whose motto is “war is the knife” it is believed he himself has killed more Mexicans than any other man in Mexico. He had a duel in Puebla with a Lt. in the 3c Dragoons with Sabres and wounded the officer it arose from this officer being with Cris in a skirmish and run away with his company, and left Lilly with 15 men to fight his way out, and Cris, one evening in Company with Major Polk of the 3d Dragoons told him there was a damn coward in his regiment which led to the challenge. He requested a Court of Enquiry on the way down he having been sent to bring an armed Mexican in from the Chaparral and the fellow trying to get away from him several times Lilly shot him down, some of the officers said it was no better than murder and he hearing of it demanded an investigation and was honorably acquitted he says he always forbids his men to take prisoners being too much trouble. He is no doubt a brave man and born of much service in this country, he is a great favorite of Genl. Lane’s.” 

   

  Now in Mexico City, Forbes relates that he was to dine with Major General Robert Patterson (1792-1881), second in command to Winfield Scott and complains at great length about New Yorkers who cravenly escape military service and is highly critical of political officer appointments. Though he waxes poetic about the distinguished New York Volunteers: “But there is one thing the Business I am sent on makes me free to all and then again the NYork Regiment is though a great deal of. They have proved themselves in the Fight and are pointed out as the best Volunteer Regiment in the service both as regards appearance + discipline. There is a feeling among regular generals against Volunteers but not so with our Regt. they being respected and highly spoken of by all officers and by many with a generous spirit of envy. I can tell you I feel mighty proud of them and a few days ago when the Commissioners received and spoke so highly of them I felt as though it were a compliment to me. I want to see them come home + up Broadway with their tattered and torn Flags and any New Yorker that does not feel proud of them has no Soul.” 

   

  Clearly well-liked and respected by the soldiers he spent so much time with, Forbes writes of the many gifts given to him: “I have several presents of swords and esopettes [a type of carbine or rifle] and could get many more but they are all alike and not worth transportation. Capt. Fairchild made me a present of a very pretty Wax Figure.” 

   

  Closing his letter, he includes an interesting description of a pioneering odometer: “…a Gentleman and fine Soldier…invented and at his own expense made a machine or an instrument to measure the roads. It is of clock materials +c with levers and machinery attached to a wheel of one of the battery carriages, and every revolution of the wheel marks a mark on the face of the clock moving the hands and can take a distance of 365 miles without winding up or touching it is an accurate measurement and can be depended on as the true distance I want you to give a copy to Sam Udice of the True Sun as they would like no doubt to publish it.” Followed by a list of locations between Vera Cruz and Mexico City, totalling 252 ½ miles. 

   

  After his final letter home, he commenced the return journey home with the recovered corpses of the officers. Forbes, however, would not complete the journey alive. While in New Orleans, he succumbed to yellow fever and his body would join those in coffins on the way to New York. 

   

  Ultimately, he recovered the remains of the following New York Officers: Lieut. Edgar Chandler (1823-1847, KIA Churubusco “whilst gallantly sustaining his colors”), the son of Gen. Adoniram Chandler, a volunteer in the War of 1812; Lieut. Charles F. Gallagher (d. 1847, DOD) noted gallantry at Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo; Captain Charles H. Pearson (1815-1847, DOW Chapultepec). son of Nathaniel Pearson, who served in the Rev. War under Washington and POW, the Brooklyn Light Guard became the Pearson Guards in his honor; Capt. James Barclay (d. 1848) “died suddenly …at Mexico”; and Lt. Col. Charles Baxter (1814-1847, DOW Chapultepec), distinguished at Churubusco, son of Stephen Baxter, paymaster of the NY State Volunteers, 5 uncles served in the Revolutionary War, and brother William was a sergeant-major in the Seminole Wars.

   

  There was a great outpouring of grief and public mourning for Forbes and the other officers. In a series of reports, the New York Daily Herald published a lengthy article on the public procession and funeral of the men: “The streets presented a lively scene; men in the attire of war thronged from every direction to mingle with the thousands to honor the remains of those departed spirits, who fell under the banner of liberty and justice.” 

  
  The procession, led by the mayor, members of the Common Council, and a host of ministers from nine denominations, was witnessed by over 20,000. Then the bodies of the fallen “followed by seven privates, one of whom carried the standard, presented to the first regiment of New York Volunteers, by the corporation, which was perfectly tattered, having been carried through the thickest of the fight, and at Churubusco seven men were shot successively while bearing it.” The line is a haunting echo of lines written in Forbes’ last letter, writing of the New York volunteers: “ I can tell you I feel mighty proud of them and a few days ago when the Commissioners received and spoke so highly of them I felt as though it were a compliment to me. I want to see them come home + up Broadway with their tattered and torn Flags and any New Yorker that does not feel proud of them has no Soul.” Indeed, the funeral gathered on Canal Street before turning on Broadway. 

   

  It was widely reported that his widow, Sarah, and their daughter Virginia, were given $500, which was appropriated by the Committee. Even five years later, his brother George organized a ball held in his honor. (“Forbes Association Ball. New York Daily Herald, 16 March 1853.) Until 2012, the men were interred at Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery under a single marker reading: “Mexico.” After learning of their story, Green-Wood’s historian Jeff Richman successfully petitioned the U.S. Veterans Administration to provide fitting headstones for each man, which were unveiled on 13 July 2012. (“Fitting Memorial”, p. 14). 

   

   

  
  List of included documents: 
  1. Autograph letter signed by George H. Purser, as New York Alderman, to Alexander S. Forbes. 25 January 1848, City Hall, New York City, New York. 2 pages, 4to. 

  2. Autograph letter signed (ALS) by Alexander S. Forbes, to Sarah Forbes. [New Orleans, Louisiana], [February], 1848. 4 pages, 4to. (Upper edge with place and date lacking). 

  3. ALS By Alexander S. Forbes, to his brother [George Forbes]. New Orleans, Louisiana, 17 February 1848. 4 pages, 4to. 

  4. ALS by Alexander S. Forbes, to his brother. Camp Washington, [Vera Cruz, Mexico],  2 March 1848. 2 pages, 4to. 

  5. ALS by Forbes, to Sarah. Vera Cruz, Mexico, 2 March 1848. 4 pages, 4to. 

  6. ALS by Forbes, to his Brother [George]. Camp Washington, Vera Cruz, 11 March 1848. 4 pages, 4to. 

  7. ALS by Forbes, to Sarah. Camp Washington, near Vera Cruz, Mexico, 28 March 1848. 4 pages, 4to.

  8. ALS by Forbes, to Sarah. Mexico City, Mexico, 21 April 1848. 1 page, 4to. 

  9. ALS by Forbes, to George. San Angel, near Mexico City, Mexico, 6th May 1848. 8 pages, 4to. (Loss to corner of final leaf affecting text. Marked throughout in pencil with editorial marks that appear to suggest that it was being prepared or used for a publication.)

  
  10. Twelfth Regiment, Fourth Brigade and First Division New York State Militia. Partly printed document completed in manuscript. Signed by Samuel P. Ayres. N.p., 5 June 1848. 3 pages, 4to, 8 x 13 in. 

  To the verso of Forbes’ commission is a printed list attesting that Forbes had been “fully uniformed, armed, and equipped; has regularly and faithfully done duty to this date.” There are 7 printed statements, with four completed in manuscripts for Forbes on August 6th from 1845 through 1848. The third page prints extracts from the Laws of New York related to the militia. 

  Printed by George F. Nesbitt (1809-1869) was a New York City printer who pioneered chromatic wood types, producing several sample books. Here, he is designated as the printer to [the] First Division of the New York State Militia 

  
  11. Autograph document signed by Forbes (“A.S.F.”) to Capt. Helme. [New York?], [circa October 1839]. 1 page, folio, 8 x 12 ⅛ in.  (Separations along old folds). 

  A rousing document presenting a sword to Captain Helme on behalf of "the members of Our Gulick Guard wishing to present you with some Token of their Respect + Esteem have …this Sword they have Requested me to present it to you as a small Testimonial of the Respect they have for you."

   

  Forbes praises Captain Helme at length and characteristic eloquence: "They were almost entirely ignorant of anything pertaining to the “School of the Soldier” and they even thought themselves incapable of even learning anything of “Military Tactics,” but by the persevering, Soldier-like and at the same time Gentlemanly manner in which you undertook to track them they soon became satisfied that under you they could learn anything...I hope if occasion ever required that you should use this sword it will only be, either in protecting or defending the rights and Liberties of our 'Native Land'"

   

  The Gulick Guards were a firefighting militia organized in New York City in 1836. An 1838 uniform print by Currier depicts a member of the company in uniform with the motto “Firemen with pleasure - Soldiers at leisure.” Evidently, Helme was a member of the company; however, he is best remembered as a daguerreotypist, a commander of several militia companies in the antebellum era, and a police captain of the 27th Precinct, notably taking part in suppressing the 1863 draft riots. 

   

  Remarkably, the sword is extant, identifiable to this presentation letter by its scabbard engraving: “Presented to Capt. John C. Helme as a token of respect by the members of the Gulick Guards. Oct. 1839.” The sword is an elaborate, early Ames presentation militia officer sword with 1832 style officer’s blade and heavy gilt brass scabbard. 
   

  References: 
  John Bulloch, ed. Scottish Notes and Queries. Second Series, Vol. I. Aberdeen: A. Brown & Co., 1900. P. 126.

  Manhattan New York Directory, 1839-1840, p. 259

  “Fitting Memorial Given to Veterans of Mexican-American War 164 Years (to the Day) After Their Internments.” The Arch. Winter/Spring 2013. p. 14
  
   

  [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs, Archives] [Mexican War, Mexican-American War, Seminole Wars, Florida Wars] [Death, Funerals, Mourning, Funeralia, Graveyards] [Militaria]

   

   

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