Charles Baudin Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages, 5.25" x 8.25", December 16, 183[?], Paris, to "My dear Mr. [John M.]...

Description

In 1838, King Louis Philippe gave one-armed Admiral Charles Baudin command of a squadron in the Gulf of Mexico during the Pastry War. Baudin, accompanied by Louis Philippe's son, aided in keeping the new Texas Republic safe from a feared Mexican invasion. In late 1838, Admiral Baudin's French squadron laid siege to San Juan de Ulloa, a fortress overlooking Veracruz and considered unconquerable. After eight days, the fortress fell to Baudin, who received international renown for the astonishing victory. During the siege, Mexican General Mariano Arista was captured and General Santa Anna lost a leg.

Mayor John Allen (?-1847) was elected Galveston's first mayor after the city was incorporated in 1839. Allen was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the Texas Revolution; following the revolution, he had patrolled the gulf while commanding the Texas privateer, the Terrible. After his naval commission expired in 1837, he settled in Galveston. His colorful career as Galveston's mayor was marked by his use of two cannons to protect his position from a powerful Galveston businessman who threatened to remove Allen from office.