Raynors HCA 2018-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2018
General Order, “HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, NATIONAL PALACE OF MEXICO, SEPT. 17, 1847. GENERAL ORDERS - No. 287.” Mexico City. Sept. 17, 1847, 4pp., VG. A rare copy of an important order issued by Gen. Winfield Scott just days after his victory at the Battle of Chapultepec and his taking of Mexico City. Chapultepec was the final victory in Scott's march to the Mexican capital, following victories at Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, and Molino del Rey. Largely outnumbered against Santa Anna's forces, Scott produced a series of stunning victories leading to his capture of Mexico City and the issuance of this broadside, which seeks to establish order by proclaiming martial law in the capital. A preamble to the General Orders announces that this is a restatement, "with important additions," of Scott's order of Feb. 19, 1847, issued from Tampico, which also declared martial law. In the present order, meant to maintain order in the newly conquered city, Scott lays out the prohibitions for a wide variety of acts, including assassination, murder, poisoning, rape, assault, robbery, theft, the desecration of churches and cemeteries, and more. Significantly, he announces that such rules will apply equally to Americans as to Mexicans. He points out that these laws are important not only to guide his army, but "for the protection of the unoffending inhabitants and their property, about the theatres of military operations, against injuries on the part of the army, contrary to the laws of war." Scott further extends martial law to any part of Mexico under the control of U.S. forces. Lastly, he announces that the American army will safeguard all of the churches, monasteries, convents, inhabitants, and property in Mexico City, and announces a "contribution" of $150,000 to be imposed on the capital to pay for these services, payable in four equal installments. The order is signed in manuscript at the end by Winfield Scott's Assistant Adjutant General, H.L. Scott.
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