Title: Gideon J. Pillow Letter

Date/Date Range :   1847 August 7

Extent: 0.1 linear feet

Abstract:

In a letter dated August 7, 1847, from Pueblo, Mexico, to James W. Breedlove in New Orleans, La., Major General Gideon J. Pillow, brigade and division commander in the Mexican War, defends himself against political attacks by Whigs.

Call number: MS-2138

Repository: University of Tennessee Special Collections Library, Knoxville, TN

Aquisition Information:

Collection was purchased by Special Collections in April 2004.

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Copyright:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library.

Preferred Citation:

[Identification of Item], Gideon J. Pillow Letter, MS-2138. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Special Collections Library.

Collection consists of a single folder.

Pillow graduated from the University of Nashville, Tennessee in 1827 and embarked on a career in law, eventually joining James K. Polk in a Columbia, Tennessee, practice. He was instrumental in securing Polk the nomination for the United States presidency in 1844. Polk appointed him as a Brigadier General at the outbreak of the war with Mexico. He led troops at Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Contreras and Chapultepec. Pillow was twice wounded and ended the war as a Major General. Pillow subsequently served as a controversial Brigadier General in the Confederate army.

Gideon J. Pillow rebukes his opponents, "there are many conductors of the Whig Press, who are high minded, honorable gentleman, who can appreciate merit and gallantry even in a political adversary, but there are a few unprincipled hollow-hearted hypocrites and political knaves, who mask themselves under false colors, by claiming to conduct neutral presses, while they pour out their malignant hate against all those likely to occupy a little public attention who do not agree with them in sentiment." He is optimistic at the end of this letter and claims that within fifteen days, his unit will be in possession of the capital of Mexico.

• Pillow, Gideon Johnson, 1806-1878.
• Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Campaigns -- Mexico.
• Mexican War, 1846-1848 -- Personal narratives, American.
• United States -- History -- War with Mexico, 1845-1848.