1846 Letter written by Thomas Roney, a midshipman aboard the U.S. Frigate Raritan in Pensacola Bay, to his brother William Roney Jr, of Philadelphia. Mexican War content

Pensacola, 1846. Letter. Very good. Letter. 4 pages. Lined paper, folded. 3 pages of content. Pensacola stampless post mark on page 4. Letter content summarized:

Thomas Roney Midshipman writes lengthy letter to his brother, trying to get him to write back. “There is very little news from Mexico, the latest is that Mr. Slidell has been informed that the government could not receive a Minister from the United States but that there were ready to receive a Commissioner for the settlement of the Texas question. We had consequently demanded his passports, and is expected here very shortly in the Ship Manzo. The Mexicans have been making every (truncated) preparation for a war…were preparing to place Santa Anna at the head of the government again….” Roney had been transferred from the U.S. Brig Bainbridge back to the Raritan. He was relieved as “master” and appointed "midshipman". Roney has no problem with this because the Raritan is more comfortable. Roney recently returned from Rio de Janerio and had to take large advance to pay off debts. The only regret of his demotion to midshipman is that he can’t send money home to Mother any more, hopes brothers can make it up. He complains of the cost of his “mess bill” and outfitting upon leaving the coast of Brazil. He writes "Any place is better than the coast of Brazil (Inventory #: 25657)