U.S. Army Archive From Fort Sam Houston In Texas During Mexican Border War And Pancho Villa Expedition

The Mexican Border War was a series of military engagements between the United States military and several Mexican factions during the Mexican Revolution. The height of the conflict came in 1916 when revolutionary Pancho Villa attacked the American border town of Columbus, New Mexico. In response, the United States, under the direction of General John J. Pershing, launched a punitive expedition into northern Mexico to find and capture Villa. Although he was not captured, the U.S. Army killed Villa’s two top lieutenants. Offering an archive of about 88 pieces, 1914 to 1917, primarily involving Texas, and related to the Mexican Border War and the Pancho Villa Expedition. Among other documents, the archive contains the papers of Lieutenant Maurice B. Welty, who served as an Aid-de-Camp at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, during the war. Documents include typed reports, copies of orders relating to supplies, location of troops and some items of personal correspondence, including letters, receipts and checks drawn on the Army Bank of Fort Houston. Some highlights include a pair of TDSs by JULIUS A. PENN (1865-1934) during the Pancho Villa Expedition. Penn commanded the 3rd Infantry during the expedition. He also served in World War I and later became a Brigadier General. Highlights of the archive include two relatively similar typed documents signed, dated April 10, 1916, from the Madison Barracks. Each is signed by Penn around the time of the Pancho Villa Expedition, which is titled "Certificate of Suitability of Mount," Penn asserts, "I have this day examined one mare, purchased by 2nd Lieut. R.S. Lytle, B.Q.M., from 2nd Lieut. W.H. Moss and finds the animal to be suitable, under the provisions of G.O. No. 9, c.s., W.D., as a mount for 2nd Lieut. R.S. Lytle, B.Q.M., 3d Infantry." Below each copy of the document is a later addition: "I certify that I have this date sold and transferred to 1st Lieutenant M.D. Welty, Infantry Aide-de-camp, the mare referred to in the above Certificate of Suitability." "R.S. Lytle, 1st Lieutenant, Infantry" Lytle’s signature appears only one of the two copies. A number of the army documents are from the U.S. Army’s Eagle Pass, Texas, District. Although not mentioned in the documents, the U.S. had provided rail transportation through the United States from Eagle Pass to move forces to fight Villa at the Battle of Agua Prieta, during which Villa’s seasoned division was smashed. Feeling betrayed Villa began attacking U.S. nationals and their property in Northern Mexico. On January 11, 1916, 16 American employees of the American Smelting and Refining Co. were removed from a train and were stripped and executed. Brig. Gen. Pershing received information that Villa with a new force was on the border and about to make an attack that would force the U.S. to intervene. On March 9, 1916, Villa’s troops attacked Columbus, New Mexico and Camp Furlong, the U.S. Army post there. Ten soldiers and eight soldiers were killed. The raiders burned the town, stole horses and mules and seized machine guns and ammunition before fleeing back to Mexico. Numerous military activities led by Pershing and the United States ensued. The U.S. didn’t succeed in capturing Villa. Pershing privately criticized President Woodrow Wilson for restricting his activities in the capture. Villa was assassinated on July 20, 1923 while driving his car. His death ended the era of the armed stage of the Mexican Revolution. Documents are mostly in good to fine condition, representing important events around America’s multi-year involvement during the Mexican Revolution. Some chipping and paper clip rust marks. Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer. We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The.