Mexican War-dated manuscript DS, signed “U. S. Grant, 2d Lt. 4th Infy, Regl. QM,” one lightly-lined page, 8.25 x 10.25, December 31, 1847. Document written in Tacubaya, Mexico, headed at the top in another hand, “Invoice of Clothing, and Camp and Garrison Equipage turned over to Lieut. Jenks Beaman Com’dg ‘E’ Compy, by Lieut. U. S. Grant, R.Q.M. 4th Infantry.” A listing of 15 items, with the amount of each noted numerically and in words: “16 Forage Caps, 44 Wool Jackets, 77 prs. Wool Ovr’alls, 110 Cotton Shirts, 22 Flannel Shirts, 146 prs. Bootees, 68 prs. Stockings, 70 Blankets, 44 Leather Stocks, 50 Haversacks, 5 Knapsacks, 2 Canteens & Straps, 3 Common Tents, 3 Sets Common Tent Poles, 94 prs. Drawers.” In fine condition, with staple hole to top left, a bit of mild toning, and a horizontal fold through second line of Grant’s signature.
Jenks Beaman (1822-1848) was appointed Brevet 2nd Lieutenant attached to the 8th Infantry by President John Tyler in July of 1842, and appointed 2nd Lieutenant of the 4th Regiment of Infantry December 31, 1842. Beaman participated in the Battles of Cerro Gordo, Palo Alto, and Resaca de la Palma. He commanded his company in the Battle of Molino del Rey on September 8, 1847, and in the capture of Mexico City, September 13-14, 1847. First Lieutenant Jenks Beaman died on May 6, 1848, in Tampico, Mexico, four months after Grant gave him the clothing and equipage for his company.
Tacubaya was a village four miles southwest of Mexico City. From Chapter XIII of “Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant” (New York: Charles Webster, 1885): “For myself, I was kept somewhat busy during the winter of 1847-8. My regiment was stationed in Tacubaya. I was regimental quartermaster and commissary. General [Winfield] Scott had been unable to get clothing for the troops from the North. The men were becoming—well, they needed clothing. Material had to be purchased, such as could be obtained, and people employed to make it up into ‘Yankee uniforms.’ A quartermaster in the city was designated to attend to this special duty; but clothing was so much needed that it was seized as fast as made up. A regiment was glad to get a dozen suits at a time. I had to look after this matter for the 4th infantry.” An exceptionally early Grant military document. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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