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.

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

5 boxes (2.5 linear ft.) 1 oversize box

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