Inventory

Josephus Collins Letter
Date:  March 24, 1848
Accession Number:  Sm. D.C. 35
Description:  One file folder in a small document case

Content and Scope of Collection

The collection consists of a letter written from Josephus Collins at Puebla, Mexico to his sister, Hannah Collins, in Vigo County, Indiana.  In the letter, he describes marching and finding a new camp along the road to Vera Cruz, and names several soldiers who were left behind in the hospital due to illness.  He also discusses his desire for the war to end on honorable terms, describes a Mexican hacienda, and recalls an anecdote he heard about the Mexican General Santa Anna.

 On the back of the letter, William F. Lewis, a member of the same company, sends his best wishes to those at home.

Josephus Collins and William F. Lewis both served in the Mexican War as members of Company H, 4th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.  They were mustered in June 12, 1847 in Jeffersonville, Indiana and mustered out July 16, 1848 in Madison, Indiana.