Description
Archibald H. Gillespie (1812-1873) was a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps detached as a special messenger (November
1845) and sent to California to deliver dispatches from President Polk to John C. Fremont concerning the possible annexation
of California by the United States in the event of war with Mexico. He served thereafter in various capacities until his resignation
from the Marine Corps in 1854. The collection consists of correspondence, documents, and personal papers of Archibald H. Gillespie.
It also includes materials related to Gillespie's mission to John Charles Fremont, the Bear Flag revolt, California's 1st
constitution, the Gold Rush in San Francisco, Robert Field Stockton's attempt to establish a civil government in California,
and a narrative by Gillespie about the battle of San Pasqual. Receipts, bills of sale, and accounts in the collection indicate
commercial activities in the territory and state of California from 1848-56.
Background
Gillespie was born in 1812; as a lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps he was detached as a special messenger (November
1845) and sent to California to deliver dispatches from President Polk to John C. Fremont concerning the possible annexation
of California by the United States in the event of war with Mexico; he served thereafter in various capacities until his resignation
from the Marine Corps in 1854; died in San Francisco in 1873.
THE AMERICAN CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA
Extent
5 boxes (2.5 linear ft.)
1 oversize box
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections. Literary rights, including
copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds
the copyright and pursue the
copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Advance notice required for access.