Lot
162 
(Mail Routes) General Kearny Return Expedition. "San Francisco, California/May 2nd, 1847" datelined on folded cover to Connecticut, posted at in Missouri with "Fort Leavenworth Mo." cds & manuscript "10" rate, contents of letter with interesting account of voyage to San Francisco by sea, arrival in San Francisco Bay and description of life in California, small sealed tear at top & mended corner splits, F.-V.F., a wonderful rarity & one of the earliest covers from San Francisco. Estimate $5,000 - 7,500.
This cover was carried by General Kearny's Expedition on his return trip to Fort Leavenworth after his victory in California to end the Mexican War.
At the outbreak of the Mexican War, Kearny was ordered to seize New Mexico and California. Using diplomacy to persuade Mexican troops to withdraw, he marched unopposed to Santa Fe, where in 1846 he proclaimed a civil government for the province. Heading to California, he was informed that the conquest had already been completed by Robert F. Stockton and John C. Frémont. He arrived to discover that Mexican rebels had retaken most of the province. He then joined forces with Stockton to defeat the rebels in 1847.
Kearny, as ranking Army officer, claimed command of the area at the end of hostilities, which began an unfortunate rivalry with Stockton. When Mexican forces in California capitulated on January 13, they did not do so to Stockton or Kearny, but to Stockton's aide, Lt. Col. John C. Frémont. Stockton seized on this and appointed Frémont military governor of the area. Kearny appealed to Washington. Receiving confirmation of his authority, Kearny took command. He had Frémont relieved, arrested, and later convicted at a court-martial, though Frémont quickly received a presidential pardon.
General Kearny broke up his camp near Sutter's fort on or about June 15, 1847 and set out for the United States with Colonel Frémont, who was treated, however, with deliberate disrespect throughout the journey. The party reached Fort Leavenworth about Aug. 22.
Realized: $13,000