25303

Making the "corps of New York Volunteers a credit

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
Making the  corps of New York Volunteers a credit
<B>Making the "corps of New York Volunteers a credit to the Empire State" A hero in the War with Mexico looking for New York recruits, hopes that a good word from the Governor will have him lead a regiment under Taylor and Scott.</B></I> Edmund.Kirby (1794-1849) Uncle to both Ephraim Kirby and Edmund Kirby (later Kirby-Smith), War of 1812 officer, Army Paymaster, personal staff officer to Zachary Taylor and Winfield Scott, brvt. Colonel in 1847 for gallantry at Contreras, Churubusco,and Chapultepec. Autograph letter signed "E. Kirby," two pages, partially reinforced at blank integral leaf, to "His Excellency Silas Wright, Governor of New York," Brownville, May 26, 1846. A fine military letter: "I understand that the quota of regular troops allotted to new York under the Act of Congress to prosecute the war against Mexico is seven Regiments. Volunteers will, of course, be preferred to militia drafts. It has been intimated to me by numbers that I might be instrumental in raising a Regiment in this and the neighboring counties. I am ready to make the effort and to lead it to the field. Having seen your service and had your experience in the command of men, I hope it will not be deemed presumptuous in me to say that I feel competent to command creditably (sic) a Regiment or a lower force. Shout the turnout in this quarter answer my expectations and I should be honored with the confidence of the volunteers so far as to be elected to the command, if that is to be the mode of designation, or with your own confidence for a higher commission, my faculties would be devoted with zeal to the endeavor to render the corps of New York volunteers a credit to the Empire State. I may miscalculate the extent of the patriotic excitement awakened by the stirring events on the Rio Grande and people after the effervescence has subsided a little, may be deterred by the distance of the theater of action and dread of climate from volunteering for the service, but I ardently intend to make the effort and have asked the sanction of the Secretary of War and President to my tender of service to yourself and doubt not that it will be readily granted. I would be glad to be honored with your command and even would my own proposition fail, it would gratify me to be serviceable to you in promoting your own views and carrying out your own plans in furtherance of those of the general government." Wonderful history, a clean, important missive. <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>