Colonel Francis S. Belton Mexican War Letters

Manuscripts, documents, and personal ephemera related to Col. Francis S. Belton, a career US Army officer and veteran of the War of 1812, the Indian Wars, and the Mexican-American War. The bulk of the archive relates to the military occupation of Mexico City. Acting as lieutenant governor of Mexico City, Belton had significant responsibilities for the administration of the city. Thirty-one documents offered here, most of which are in Spanish with handwritten notations on verso in English, reflect these responsibilities and present a fascinating glimpse into the military occupation of the city. Most of the documents date to the weeks and months just after the occupation, September - December 1847, and deal with issues such as property disputes, war dead, prisoners, and acts of violence and other illegal activity perpetrated by American soldiers.

Finding aid available here. Materials provided by Special Collections and Archives at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Newspaper from American and Commercial Daily Advertiser

Article on Francis S. Belton's military work published in the American and Commercial Daily Advertiser
Newspaper from Saturday Cleaner, Vol. 1

Newspaper with general American news, including information on Francis S. Belton's military work
Newspaper from The New York Tablet: A Family Journal

Biographic article of Francis S. Belton published in The New York Tablet: A Family Journal newspaper
Partial newspaper from the Metropolitan Record

Obituary of Francis S. Belton published in the Metropolitan Record newspaper
Trial summary from a theft case

Summary of the trial of Juan Valadie, charged with stealing a watch from U.S. Sargeant Davis, ordered to pay the cost of the watch, summary signed by Francis S. Belton
Letter from Juan Valadie

Juan Valadie

Letter from Juan Valadie written in Spanish
Contract between John Ford and Manuel Fuertes

English translation of a housing contract between John Ford and Manuel Fuertes, witnessed by Adolfo Sanchez and [Peter Superville], signed by Secretary John Hawkins
Letters from Mariano Esquivel referred to John A. Quitman

Mariano Esquivel

Letters from Mariano Esquivel regarding a contract with John J. Hall, referred to John A. Quitman, written in Spanish with short English translation, a note from [J. E. Johnathan] regarding U.S. Army troop movements, and a note permitting Esquibel to pass the U.S. Army lines without questioning signed by J. Hall
Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Nosé Fixman

Nosé Fixman

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Nosé Fixman, written in Spanish
Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Pedro Garcia and Nosé Fixman

Pedro Garcia and Nosé Fixman

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Pedro Garcia and Nosé Fixman, written in Spanish
Letter to Colonel Francis S. Belton from Buenaventura Homedes

Buenaventura Homedes

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Prior Buenaventura Homedes informing that a burial ground is under U.S. possession, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from [Leo. Joaquin Gunnan de la Peña] informing of an assault and robbery committed by 5 Americans
Letter to Lieutenant Governor Francis S. Belton

Letter from Captain [Geo. Nio. Davis], secretary, to Colonel Francis S. Belton, referring him a letter of complaint from a Mexican whose property was taken without compensation
Letter to Lieutenant Governor Francis S. Belton

Letter from Captain [Geo. Nio. Davis], secretary, to Colonel Francis S. Belton, referring him an application
Program from the National Theatre

Program from the National Theatre, the officers of the U.A. Army providing a complimentary benefit to actress María Cañete
Letter to Major General John A. Quitman from Lieutenant Governor Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to John A. Quitman concerning a letter of complaint from Mariano Esquivel
Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Ramon Lozano

Ramon Lozano

Letter from Spanish minister Ramon Lozano informing that Theodore Boulanger, under Spanish protection, has a large number of weapons in his possession, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City from Ramon Lozano

Ramon Lozano

Letter from Spanish minister Ramon Lozano informing that a French subfleet had been assaulted and robbed by a party of Americans
Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter from the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that prisoner Brigido Pichardo will be released, signed by John A. Quitman and Francis S. Belton, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter from Colonel Francis S. Belton

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City responding to a letter of complaint about a disorderly horse, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to Colonel Francis S. Belton from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that a burial ground has been named and is under U.S. possession, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City, referred to Lieutenant Governor Francis S. Belton

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City complaining about a servant being robbed, referred to Francis S. Belton by Secretary [Geo. M. Davis], written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to Colonel Francis S. Belton from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that a burial ground has been named and is under U.S. possession, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter regarding military incident during the Mexican-American War
Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that permission might be granted to [Luis Paramo] to bring provisions to some prisoners, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter from U.S. Army governing in Mexico City

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter from the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that prisoner Antonio Sanchez is innocent, written in Spanish with English translation, signed by Francis S. Belton
Letter to Colonel Francis S. Belton from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that two burial grounds have been named and are under U.S. possession, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter from Military Governor John A. Quitman

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter from the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing that prisoner Jose Maria Pino will be released, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to Military Governor John A. Quitman from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City, written in Spanish with fragment of English translation
Letter to Military Governor John A. Quitman from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City informing of request for freedom of a prisoner, Pedro Garcia, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton

Copy of record of Francis S. Belton's military service sent to Harriet Kirby Belton, unsigned
Notes on Francis S. Belton's military experience

Unsigned notes about Francis S. Belton's military experience, sent to [Mr. Davis]
Letter from Schuyler Hamilton to Harriet Kirby Belton

Schuyler Hamilton

Returned letter from Harriet K. Belton to General Winfield Scott asking for endorsement to be put on pension list, with General Scott's endorsement written on the back
Letter regarding health of Francis S. Belton

Letter from [C. H. Graue] certifying Francis S. Belton as unfit for duty
Letter from Harriet Kirby Belton to Colonel Scott

Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter to Colonel Scott asking him to write to General Scott asking him for aid in being placed on the Pension List, including a copy of a letter from Persifor Smith to Francis S. Belton written 5 March 1848
Receipt of rent of Francis S. Belton

Receipt of rent payment by Francis S. Belton to [G. W. Bonnetheace]
Letter from U.S. War Department Adjutant General's Office

Letter from [F. B. Hertman] to Major E. K. Russell about giving information about the history of Colonel Francis S. Belton
Letter to Military Governor John A. Quitman from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City regarding complaints about the conduct of several U.S. servicemen, written in Spanish with short English translation
Orders from Adjutant General's Office

Copy of letter about the 11 December 1826 orders from Major General Scott and Acting Assistant Adjutant General B. L. Armstrong regarding sentencing of Francis S. Belton
General order from Adjutant and Inspector General's Office

Chester Root

Court martial records featuring charge of Francis S. Belton with testimony of Captain and Aide-de-Camp Chester Root from 11 November 1817
Restoration to Rank of Francis S. Belton

Copy of the 1817 sentence of Francis S. Belton by Lieutenant Colonel [Jos. L. Smith] and Judge Advocate [Tho. Hunt], and restoration to rank by order of the U.S. President
Statement of the Military Service of the late Francis S. Belton

Statement from the U.S. War Department's Adjutant General's Office summarizing the military service of Francis Smith Belton
Military order from the Headquarters Army of Mexico

William Orlando Butler and Lorenzo Thomas

General court martial records featuring charges and sentences given to U.S. soldiers serving in Mexico
Military order from the Headquarters Army of Mexico

William Orlando Butler and Lorenzo Thomas

Court martial records featuring charges and sentences given to U.S. soldiers serving in Mexico
Military order from the Headquarters Army of Mexico

William Orlando Butler and Lorenzo Thomas

General court martial records featuring charges and sentences given to U.S. soldiers serving in Mexico
Letter to Francis Smith Belton

Military order giving different assignments to various Captains
Military order from the Headquarters Army of Mexico

William Orlando Butler and Lorenzo Thomas

Military order regarding the Military Convention for the Provisional Suspension of Hostilities
Military order from the Headquarters Army of Mexico

Lorenzo Thomas

Military order regarding Major General W. O. Butler assuming command of the Army of Mexico
Military commission for Francis Smith Belton

Military commission for Francis Smith Belton as Major
Military commission for Francis Smith Belton

Military commission for Francis Smith Belton as Brevet Colonel, sent from the Adjutant General's Office
Letter from U.S. Treasury Department to Joseph F. Belton

Form from the U.S. Treasury Department regarding a check made out to Joseph F. Belton, signed by [H. C. Harmon]
Military commission for Francis Smith Belton

Military commission for Francis Smith Belton as Lieutenant Colonel, sent from the Adjutant General's Office
Tuition receipt for the College of Charleston

Tuition receipt paid to the College of Charleston by Francis S. Belton for his son Winfield Belton's attendance
Tuition receipt for the College of Charleston

Tuition receipt paid to the College of Charleston by Francis S. Belton for his son Winfield Belton's attendance
Unidentified document

Unidentified document listing partial names and ages, possibly referencing enslaved people, signed on the back by [Mrs. Col. Belton]
Letter to Military Governor John A. Quitman from Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Manuel Reyes Veramendi

Letter informing the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City of the location of several buried American soldiers, written in Spanish with short English translation, referred to Quitman by Francis S. Belton
Will of Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Will of Francis S. Belton leaving everything to his wife, Harriet K. Belton, witness signatures at bottom of page
Letter from U.S. Treasury Department to Francis S. Belton

Peter Hagner

Letter from auditor Peter Hagner of the U.S. Treasury Department to Francis S. Belton
Letter from U.S. Treasury Department to Francis S. Belton

William Berkeley Lewis

Letter from auditor W. B. Lewis of the U.S. Treasury Department to Francis S. Belton
Receipt of payment to Francis S. Belton

Receipt of payment from Secretary A. Sanchez to Francis S. Belton serving as Lieutenant Governor of Mexico City, signed by [Earl Lawdom]
Notification from U.S. Pension Office to Harriet Kirby Belton

Barett

Notification that Harriet Kirby Belton's pension claim has been granted, signed by Commissioner Jos. H. Barrett
Financial Account of Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Record of expenses of Francis S. Belton from 1 January 1854 to 30 September 1854, including expenses for two private servants
Diary, 1858-1887

Diary of an unknown author, likely Winfield Belton, featuring business transactions and finances, military orders and experiences, and personal experiences, as well as a note on a loose page regarding the assassination of President Lincoln
Letter to Winfield Belton from Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to his son, Winfield Belton
Letter to Winfield Belton from Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to his son, Winfield Belton
Letter to Winfield Belton from Francis S. Belton

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to his son, Winfield Belton, about religious matters
Letter to Francis S. Belton and Harriet K. Belton from Winfield Belton

Winfield Belton

Letter from Winfield Belton to his father, Francis S. Belton, and his mother, Harriet Kirby Belton about joining the military
Letter to Francis S. Belton from Winfield Belton

Winfield Belton

Letter from Winfield Belton to his father, Francis S. Belton
Letter to Francis S. Belton from the Adjutant General's Office

Letter from the Adjutant General's Office to Francis S. Belton
Letter to Francis S. Belton from James W. Fannin

James W. Fannin

Handwritten copy of a letter from James W. Fannin, who was in Velasco, Texas, to Francis S. Belton, requesting his leadership in the Texas Revolution
Envelope marked Official Business

Envelope addressed to [Gen. Senior Cameron], Secretary of War, labelled with Official Business and Last Orders to Col. Belton
Letter to Francis S. Belton from the Adjutant General's Office

Letter from L. Thomas of the Adjutant General's Office ordering Francis S. Belton to be examined for disability
Widow's Claim of Harriet Kirby Belton

John Palmer Usher and Joseph Banett

Widow's Claim of Harriet Kirby Belton giving her a government pension, signed by U.S. Secretary of the Interior John P. Usher and Commissioner of Pensions Joseph Banett
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from [E. H. L.] regarding Francis S. Belton
Letter from Leonard C. McPhail

Leonard C. McPhail

Copy of letter from Leonard C. McPhail certifying as attending physician that Francis S. Belton died in service of his country
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from [Martin Burhn]
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General

Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton

Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from [Benjamin F. Laued]
Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter to Harriet Kirby Belton from [Benjamin F. Laued]
Letter from Harriet Kirby Belton

Harriet Kirby Belton

Letter from Harriet Kirby Belton to [Lieutenant General Leath] asking to be given a pension
Letter from Francis S. Belton to his wife and son

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to his wife and son updating them on his life and the war, written at Palacio Nacional, Mexico City
Letter to Francis S. Belton from the Office of the U.S. Attorney

Letter from the Office of the U.S. Attorney [J. A. Spencer] to Francis S. Belton
Letter from Francis S. Belton to his wife and son

Francis Smith Belton

Letter from Francis S. Belton to his wife and son updating them on his life and the war, written at Tacubaya, Mexico City
Letter to U.S. Army

Letter to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City, written in French, one page certifying a party of soldiers pillaged a house
Letter to U.S. Army from Ygnacio Encinas

Ygnacio Encinas

Letter from Ygnacio Encinas to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City complaining about a U.S. serviceman, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to U.S. Army

Letter from [Balthasar F.] to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City, written in Spanish with English translation
Letter to U.S. Army from Ignacio Esteves

Ignacio Esteves

Letter from Ignacio Esteves to the U.S. Army governing in Mexico City complaining about a U.S. serviceman, written in Spanish with short English translation
Letter to President William Henry Harrison

Unsigned letter to President William Henry Harrison discussing performance of officers

Search

Browse

Author & Creator Corner

Book Locations