An Optimistic Philadelphia Man Writes Home To His Wife And Daughter Before Leaving New Orleans To Fight In The Mexican-American War

(MEXICAN WAR). ALS. 1pg. May 24, 1846. On Board the Steamer Diana. An autograph letter signed “Tho.s R. Heritage”. Heritage had just enlisted in the United States Army as part of the Louisville Light Artillery and was leaving via New Orleans to fight in the Mexican-American War. He wrote home to his wife and daughter. “My Dear Wife/ It is with a heart somewhat full that I address you at this time but it is not because I have volunteerd [sic] in the service of my Country and bound for the seat of war but from the fact that money has not been furnished me according to promise that I might leave you in a better situation Capt E.B. Howe has given me 2 Dols that I send you by Mr Johnson as I shall not need it When at Orleans and Mustered under Genl Gaines I trust I shall do at every opportunity I should have called and seen you again but concluded it was best not I sincerely hope that you will not worry yourself but keep good Heart trusting that we will meet again at least one year but probably sooner for it certainly will not take 30.000 men long to make Mexico sue for peace on any terms we are now hauling out into the stream. Now my Dear Martha I sincerely trust that you will be a comfort to your mother by being dutiful and obedient to her during my absence and rest assured that I shall never disgrace the stars and stripes under which I rally in thought word or action believing that our cause is just and that we shall be protected by the God of Battles. Now my pet you must love Mamma by a good girl and kiss her very often for your papa and when you go to school try to learn so fast that you will be able to read my letters. P.S please file all the letters you receive during my absence. Your affectionate Husband Tho.s R. Heritage Sergant Johnson sends his best respects”. Heritage was from Philadelphia; he was disabled in the war and sent home the following year. The letter is in very good condition with an uneven left edge, other wear, and a mild ink stain near the center.