Autograph letter, signed, from Edward Otho Cresap Ord to Jefferson Davis, then Secretary of War of the United States. Ord describes the reaction in California and Mexico to the Gadsden Purchase, including American filibusters in Mexican territory and the negative perception of the sale by Mexican citizens, particularly clergy, who were concerned that their land would be taken and distributed to American settlers. Ord also describes a topographical survey of the newly acquired territory and the possibility of constructing a railroad in the new territory
Description:
Edward Otho Cresap Ord (1818-1883) was an engineer and officer in the United States Army stationed in California and New Mexico Territory, circa 1839-1854. and In English.
Subject (Geographic):
Mexico., Arizona., New Mexico., Mexico, United States., and United States
Subject (Name):
Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889. and Ord, Edward Otho Cresap, 1818-1883.
Subject (Topic):
Clergy, Filibusters, Gadsden Purchase, Land grants, Railroads, Surveying, and Foreign relations
Land grant, manuscript on parchment, originally made to Alonzo Prieto, and awarded after his death to his brother Gonzalo Prieto, following litigation. The grant, valued at 35,000 maravedis annually, was given to defray the costs of preparing land and naval forces to protect Spain and the Catholic Church, particularly from the "Gran Turco" ( Süleyman I). Four ships carrying gold and silver were to arrive from Peru to support this. The text refers to places and dates in the years 1535-1536. The end of the document, apparently written when the authorizing signatures were added, gives the location as Valladolid, and the date as 27 February 1537
Description:
In Spanish., Single quire of 12 leaves containing 21 pages of text., Layout: 1 column, 40 lines., Script: Written in Gothic textura script., and Binding: Vellum cover, worn, with numerous notations on front.
Subject (Geographic):
Spain, Jerez de la Frontera., Connecticut, New Haven., Jerez de la Frontera (Spain), and America
Subject (Name):
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, 1500-1558.
Subject (Topic):
Land grants, Land titles, Manuscripts, Medieval, Colonies, History, and Politics and government
