Lot
895 
(1846-1848 Mexican-American War) 1846 (Feb. 14) Jalapa, Mexico ALS Letter From U.S. Minister John Slidell, ALS datelined "Jalapa, 14 Febry 1846" with some interesting content "…Since I left the Capital on the 17 inst. nothing has occurred to indicate any possible change in the attitude of this government…I am anxiously awaiting my definitive instructions from Washington. Should appearances be to an amicable arrangement of the Oregon question, it is not impossible that I may yet return to Mexico. If there be a prospect of war between the United States & Great Britain. I have no hope that your flattering anticipation of the result of my mission will be realized." and signed "John Slidell"; carried privately to the United States and entered mails with "Pensacola Flor. Mar 2" cds and manuscript "10" rating to Philadelphia Pa.; some internal fold splitting and aging, Very Fine and remarkable historical Slidell Mission letter. Estimate $500 - 750.
John Slidell (1793-1871) was an American politician, lawyer, and businessman. A native of New York, Slidell moved to Louisiana as a young man and became a staunch defender of slavery as a Representative and Senator. He served as minister plenipotentiary to Mexico from 1845-1846.
Prior to the Mexican-American War, Slidell was sent to Mexico, by President James Knox Polk, to negotiate an agreement whereby the Rio Grande would be the southern border of Texas. He also was instructed to offer, among other alternatives, a maximum of $25 million for California by Polk and his administration. Slidell warned Polk that the Mexican reluctance to negotiate a peaceful solution might require a show of military force to defend the border by the United States. Under the command of General Zachary Taylor, U.S. troops were sent into the disputed area between the Rio Grande and Nueces Rivers. The Mexican government, in a state of chaos at the time, rejected Slidell's mission. After Mexican forces repelled a U.S. scouting expedition, the United States declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846.
Realized: $900