“…10 guerillas…lighted on me like a tiger on his prey.  It was so unexpected, I had not time to fire my pistol, or draw my sabre; which perhaps saved my life by not doing so, they pulled m from the horse, stripped my of clothes tied me to a tree”

Superb two page Mexican War ALS from Lt Frank Wheeler of the 2^nd Illinois Volunteers.  Wheeler writes with great detail, and in this letter is stripped naked and robbed by Mexican Guerillas on his way to Mexico City!  They were going to beat him to death, but he was saved by his own troops coming up fast behind him!

Here is a transcript:

Dear Sister, May 23th 1848 Monday afternoon.

I received your letter of March 31 in which you mention the arrival of Jack Stiles, I am glad to know that he got home safe, for he was love sick to see his wife; I have just returned from the city of Mexico, having been on furlough for fifteen days.  It was a wonderful city indeed and although I came near losing my life going there, I would not have missed if for the world.  I was riding some two miles in the advance of the Guard, which escorted me up they consisted of ten horsemen, when as quick as lightning, there came from the capperal 10 guerillas and lighted on me like a tiger on his prey.  It was so unexpected, I had not time to fire my pistol, or draw my sabre; which perhaps saved my life by not doing so, they pulled me from the horse, stripped me of my clothes tied me to a tree, and a belt I had around me which contained three months pay I had just drawn to go to the city with.  They took every copper, my arms also, it was their intention to beat me to death but the appearance of my comrade coming up the road saved this old head of mine, the guerillas fled on sight of them and we did not succeed in getting one of them.  I was compelled to ride to Rio Tris without clothes.  Capt Little’s horse company from Alton are stationed their along with the 2^nd Ohio Regt, I got clothes their and Col Irving immediately dispatched a searching after the devils.  I headed the party, we were out three days but without success, you can imagine how it infuriated me to lose $236.  Three months pay.  Peace is declared.  Gen Butler sent me down with the express as far as this place I would have taken it through to Vera Cruz, but I being the only officer with the company he would not allow me, four of the 2^nd Dragoons accompanied me, we rode through in a day and night Thank god I am once more safe with my regiment.

I will not trouble you by describing the curiosities I have seen as I expect to be with you in a short time.  I am sorry the presents did not get to you safe.  The shawl for Mary Pane was a delicate pearl color, with deep white fringe, flowered price $20.  The handkerchief might have been a curiosity but however let them go, the scoundrel will know me well, if I should happen to meet him in my travels.  I confess I ought to write to mother and the rest but I ask to be excused for me finger is just getting will from a felon I have had on it.  I wrote to you all since our Regiment has been stationed here in Pueblo.

I think Gen. Pattersons Brigade will move from the ____ for Vera Cruz in a week.  It is my intention to go to Alton first and then to old Philadelphia.  My health now is better than it has been since I have been in the Camp.  I would like it if we had to move on to San Louis Potasi; Capt Berry of my company has got back, he was on recruiting service for four months and never brought a recruit, such a man has no business in the service, for he knows nothing.  I have not many dimes to bring home I cannot save any, boarding is so high and every article of clothing.  A young lady a castilline by birth, an acquaintance of mine, was put in the convent San Augustine the other day by her uncle; it appears he does not want her to keep company with the American officers.  I am trying to get her out, and will have her too, if I have to take my company and go it by force. 

It is not time for drill so good bye dear sister not forgetting my best love for dear Mother and all the rest, along with the little ones.

You affectionate brother,

Frank Wheeler

Approximately the size of two large legal pages, there is a great “Vera Cruz July 1” stamp on the verso along with the address (this is a coverless letter).  Minor edge wear (wear as shown in the scan).  Great Mexican War content!