Partly-printed DS, signed “G. E. Pickett. Lt & r Adjt 8th Infy,” one page, 15 x 12.5, May 1848. Document headed “Recruiting Account of Lieut. Geo. E. Pickett of the Eighth Regiment of Infantry for the month of May 1848 Tacubaya, Mexico Recruiting Station.” The document lists a new soldier recruited by the 23-year-old Pickett, “Jose Perez,” enlisted for a period of “5 Yrs,” and “Assigned to Co. F 8 Infy May 3, 1848.” Pickett boldly signs below. An account table on the reverse reads: “Cash received of Lt. James Longstreet Dollars 109 Cents 50,” which includes the “Bounty paid Pvt Jose Perez for enlisting in U.S. Army.” Intersecting folds, an area of repaired paper loss to a column left of Pickett’s signature, and a few stray ink spots, otherwise fine condition.
Longstreet and Pickett became good friends while serving together in the 8th Infantry, fighting side-by-side in the Mexican-American War. This document was issued at Tacubaya nearby Chapultepec Castle, the site of their greatest triumph of the war. During the Battle of Chapultepec in September 1847, Longstreet was wounded while charging up the hill with his regimental colors and passed the flag on to Pickett. Laboring on, Pickett was the first soldier to reach the top of the castle's walls and fought his way to the roof of the palace, unfurling the flag over the fortress and announcing its surrender. The two officers remained friends and joined the Confederate Army, with Pickett commanding a division in Longstreet’s corps. At Gettysburg General Robert E. Lee ordered Longstreet to advance on the Union forces, an order transferred to his friend that resulted in the disastrous 'Pickett's Charge.' An uncommon and excellent association document between the future Confederate officers. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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