2pp, Washington (DC), 29 May 1846. John Wool writes to the Surgeon General of the Army for information about equipping troops that are headed to Mexico.
Born in Newburg, NY to a Revolutionary War soldier, John E. Wool (1784-1869) served in the War of 1812, Mexican War, and Civil War. In Mexico he led the "Centre Division" on a three-month march from San Antonio to Saltillo late in 1846. A couple months later, in Feb. 1847, Wool played a significant role in the victory at Buena Vista, the last major battle in northern Mexico. General Zachary Taylor, with fewer than 5,000 men, was able to hold off General Santa Anna, who had three to four times that many troops. It was Wool who selected the site where they would make their stand, and position his forces to make maximum use of their strengths. Wool received a sword, a brevet Maj. Gen. and vote of thanks from Congress for his part in the battle.
His service early in the Civil War earned him a full Major Generalcy, after fighting Indians in the Northwest during the intervening decade. One of his last "actions" was to suppress the New York draft riots, calling on veterans to aid in the effort. He was retired 1 August 1863, well past the age of service, being 79 at that point, but such a valuable resource, he had served well past the typical retirement age.
Having been directed to superintend the inspection & muster of the Volunteers called into the service of the U.S. from the states o Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee & Mississippi, destined for the frontier of Mexico, I am directed to enquire 'at the proper military bureaux of the measures taken to supply the Volunteers at their several state rendezvous, and on the routes of march beyong, with arms, accoutrements, ammunition, subsistence, camp-equipage, and means of transportation according to routes.He continues:
I have to request that you will furnish me with the information referred to with as little delay as practicable. This is necessary in order that I may be furnished with the information previous to entering upon the duties assigned to me. It is expected that I will leave for that purpose as early as tomorrow morning. I have also to request that I may be informed of the names of the officers designated to furnish the supplies required, with their residences or stations. Signed J
ohn E. Wool, Brig. Gen.
Condition
Folds as expected. Light toning along those folds on verso. Otherwise excellent.